RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Metabolomics Study on Postoperative Intensive Care Acquired Muscle Weakness

This research focuses on why some patients develop muscle weakness after surgery, especially when they need to stay in intensive care. It's often called 'ICU-acquired weakness'. Researchers will study the body's chemistry (called metabolomics) by taking blood and small muscle samples from patients at specific times. The main goals are to find out what changes in the blood might lead to this weakness and to identify chemical signs that could either cause the weakness or help doctors predict who will get it. This could eventually lead to better ways to help patients recover their strength.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Technical University of Munich

Enrolment target

Start

02 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Metabolomics Critical Care Critical Illness Critical Illness Myopathy Critical Illness Polyneuropathy Intensive Care (ICU) Myopathy Muscle Weakness

What is this study about?

Imagine recovering from a big operation, and finding your muscles feel incredibly weak, making it hard to move or even sit up. This can happen to some patients who have to spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery, and it's known as 'ICU-acquired weakness'. This study aims to understand why this happens.

Researchers believe that changes in the body's chemistry, particularly tiny substances called 'metabolites' found in the blood, might play a big role. By studying these chemicals, they hope to find out if certain changes cause the muscle weakness or if they can act as warning signs that someone might develop it. Think of it like trying to solve a puzzle – each chemical change could be a piece that helps us understand the bigger picture of why muscles become weak.

To do this, the study will involve collecting blood and small muscle samples from patients at different times during their recovery. Scientists will then closely examine these samples to look for specific chemical changes. The information learned from this study could be really important for doctors in the future, helping them to predict, prevent, or even treat muscle weakness in patients recovering from serious illnesses in the ICU.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying muscle weakness after surgery in intensive care.
The study aims to find chemical changes in the body that cause this weakness.
It involves taking blood and small muscle samples.
No new treatments are given in this study.
Understanding the causes could help future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 or over. It's specifically for patients who are having surgery and are expected to need intensive care for more than three days afterwards. You would also need to have a certain health status before your surgery (rated as ASA III or higher), which your doctor can explain.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are very unwell and doctors believe you are near the end of life, or if your care is focused on comfort rather than trying to cure your illness.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having surgery and likely to need intensive care for more than 3 days?
Do your doctors consider you to be in a certain health category (ASA III or higher)?
Is your medical care currently focused on getting better, rather than just comfort?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be screened before your surgery. If you meet the criteria and agree to join, the study involves taking blood and small muscle samples at specific times during your stay in intensive care. These samples would then be analysed by researchers. The study doesn't involve any new medications or treatments; it's purely about collecting samples and information.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information gained could help improve care for future patients. The main risks involve the procedures for taking blood and muscle samples, which can cause some discomfort, bruising, or a small risk of infection, similar to any routine procedure. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Medical University of Vienna
Verified postcode
Vienna, Austria· Recruiting
Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany· Active not recruiting
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Active not recruiting

Common questions

What is 'ICU-acquired weakness'?

It's when muscles become weak after a serious illness or surgery, especially if you've been in intensive care for some time.

What are 'metabolites'?

These are tiny chemical substances in your body that come from the normal processes that keep you alive and healthy. They can change when you're unwell.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

No, this study doesn't involve new treatments. It's about collecting blood and muscle samples to understand the causes of muscle weakness.

What happens to the samples collected?

The blood and muscle samples will be analysed by scientists to look for chemical changes that might be linked to muscle weakness.

Will taking part affect my usual medical care?

No, your decision to take part or not will not affect the quality of your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Stefan J Schaller, MD

stefan.schaller@meduniwien.ac.at +4314040041020 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.