DEVELOPMENT AND PREVALENCE OF SARCOPENIA IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS COMPARED TO OTHER WARDS: A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a progressive disease characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, with a significant impact on functionality and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients. This study consisted of an integrative review of the literature on the presence and development of sarcopenia in adults admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), comparing them with patients in wards. Six studies published between 2020 and 2023 were included, addressing different clinical contexts, including oncology, HIV, heart failure, and critically ill patients. The results indicate that prolonged ICU stay, immobility, mechanical ventilation, and sedation are associated with a significant reduction in muscle mass and strength, increasing the risk of mortality, complications, and functional dependence. Furthermore, sarcopenia is highly prevalent in populations with chronic diseases and debilitating conditions, reinforcing its clinical relevance. The review also highlighted the difficulty in finding studies that investigated in detail the length of exposure to intensive care and its impact on the development of sarcopenia, highlighting gaps in the literature and the need for further research.