Association Between Muscle L3 CT Scan Muscle Derived Parameters of Muscle Function Upon Intensive Care Unit Admission and 3 Months Mortality After ICU Discharge for Patients Admitted for Septic Shock. The SIMS Study

Muscle dysfunction in intensive care units is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. During septic shock, there is an increased catabolism and systemic inflammation resulting in quantitative and qualitative muscle impairment. In the intensive care setting, quantitative and qualitative assessment of muscle function is challenging due to critical care environments (general anesthesia, altered consciousness, etc.). CT scan measurement at the 3rd lumbar level has been proposed to evaluate muscle function. Recent retrospective studies have highlighted increased mortality among patients with muscle mass impairment and/or decreased muscle density.