Clinical Research Directory

The Validity of Urinary Titin and Skeletal Muscle Index as Predictor of Muscle Weakness in Critically Ill Patients. A Prospective Cohort Study

Although skeletal muscle atrophy is common in critically ill patients, biomarkers associated with muscle atrophy have not been identified reliably. Titin is a spring-like protein found in muscles and has become a measurable biomarker for muscle breakdown and intensive care unit-acquired weakness in critically ill patients, in whom titin loss is a possible pathophysiology. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) is an alternative biomarker for muscle weakness, which is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area (cm2) of the skeletal muscle at the level of the third lumbar vertebra by the square of the patient's height (m2) on CT The possibility of using urinary titin and skeletal muscle index for early prediction of muscle weakness in critically ill patients.