The following is a summary of “An Exploratory Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Physical Functional Impairment in ICU Survivors,” published in the June 2024 issue of Critical Care by Watson et al.
The survivors of ICU face a significant risk of up to 60% of developing post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which includes physical limitations.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study investigating the prevalence of objectively measured physical limitations in a varied group of survivors of ICU after discharge while identifying potential sociodemographic factors linked to the presence of such limitations.
They examined data from 37 ICU survivors (2016 and 2019) at hospitals in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Denver, Colorado. All participants had available longitudinal follow-up data. Handgrip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were the primary measures of physical functional impairment. Potential associations between impairment and various sociodemographic factors, including race/ethnicity, sex, primary language, education level, and pre-existing medical comorbidities, were investigated.
The result showed that over 75% of patients exhibited physical impairment at discharge, persisting through the 3—to 6-month follow-up. While no significant links were found between impairment and race/ethnicity, primary language, or education, the prevalence was higher in women than men and those with comorbidities at the follow-up. Among the 18 patients with scores at both time points, handgrip strength improvement was more significant in White patients than non-White patients. However, 4 non-White patients did experience a decline in handgrip strength between discharge and follow-up.
Investigators concluded that survivors of ICU faced a high burden of persistent physical impairment. While initial associations with race/ethnicity warrant further inquiry, it led to the groundwork for exploring how sociodemographic factors influence recovery.
Source: journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2024/06000/an_exploratory_analysis_of_sociodemographic.7.aspx