ICU Biobank: Understanding Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

Improving Intensive Care Through Biobanking: a Strategic Approach to Understanding Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

The goal of this observational study is to explore the development and progression of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in adult ICU patients by establishing a biobank of biological samples and outcome data. This biobank-based research is designed to investigate the physical, cognitive, and psychological health outcomes of ICU survivors and their relationship with potential biomarkers. The study population includes adult ICU patients aged 18-65, who have stayed in the ICU for at least 48 hours.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

What is the incidence of PICS and its main components? What risk factors are associated with the development of PICS six months post-ICU discharge? What are the long-term effects of ICU admission on quality of life, cognitive health, and physical function?

Participants will:

Provide blood samples during ICU admission and at follow-up visits at 4-5 weeks, 6 months, and 10-12 months after discharge.

Complete assessments measuring quality of life, cognitive health, anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, physical function, and pulmonary function.

Participate in three follow-up visits at the ICU Recovery Clinic after discharge to monitor PICS symptoms and recovery progress.

This study does not involve an intervention but will gather data that could improve our understanding of PICS and inform strategies for post-ICU care. The data collected will be crucial for identifying PICS biomarkers and will contribute to developing targeted, personalized interventions for ICU survivors in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ICU stay of at least 48 hours
• Age between 18 and 65 years at the time of ICU admission
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Transfer from another ICU outside of the Medical University of Vienna
• Patient with a legal guardian
• Homelessness
• Place of residence outside of Austria