Evaluation of Effectiveness of Combining High Protein Intake With Early Physical Exercise During Critical Illness

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Combining High Protein Intake With Early Physical Exercise During Critical Illness to Maintain Muscle Mass in Intensive Care Unite Patient.

Assessment of Effectiveness of combined high protein intake with early physical exercise by ultrasound measurement of rectus femoris muscle thickness in Intensive Care Unite mechanically ventilated patients.

Muscle wasting and weakness is a frequent finding in critically ill patients and is associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes like delayed liberation from mechanical ventilation, longer Intensive Care Unit and hospital stay, worse physical function and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients in age group 18-60 years
• Expected Intensive Care Unit stay >4days after enrolment (to permit adequate exposure to the proposed intervention)
• Previously healthy, Well-nourished, subjects (nutric score=0)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Renal, liver or heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Previous immune abnormalities (including treatment with corticosteroids)
• Past history of nutritional problems, chronic use of drugs (as drugs inducing myopathies) or orthopedic problems (such as skeletal fractures or immobilization) in the previous 2 years
• Neuromuscular diseases and patients with amputated lower limbs
• Past or recent history of cancer
• Long term critically ill patients shifted from other hospitals
• Pregnant patients