Is NMES Treatment in Sepsis/ Septic Shock Patients Protective in Development of ICU-AW?
Is NMES Treatment in Sepsis/ Septic Shock Patients Protective in Development of ICU-AW?
Background: Sarcopenia (muscle weakness) characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, strength
 and performance is a condition that increases with old age. Sarcopenia can be seen in 5-13%
 of patients hospitalized in ICU where various treatment methods are used to prevent this
 weakness, the rate increases in patients with sepsis/ septic shock. Muscle treatment methods
 are used to prevent sarcopenia in similar patients hospitalized in ICU. It is predicted that
 "neuromuscular electrical stimulator-NMES" treatment may increase muscle mass and strength in
 patients who's can not be exercised actively. In this study, the contribution of NMES
 treatment to prevent the development of muscle weakness in patients with a diagnosis of
 sepsis/ septic shock followed in intensive care units (ICU) was evaluated.
Background: Sarcopenia (muscle weakness) characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, strength
 and performance is a condition that increases with old age. Sarcopenia can be seen in 5-13%
 of patients hospitalized in ICU where various treatment methods are used to prevent this
 weakness, the rate increases in patients with sepsis/ septic shock. Muscle treatment methods
 are used to prevent sarcopenia in similar patients hospitalized in ICU. It is predicted that
 "neuromuscular electrical stimulator-NMES" treatment may increase muscle mass and strength in
 patients who's can not be exercised actively. In this study, the contribution of NMES
 treatment to prevent the development of muscle weakness in patients with a diagnosis of
 sepsis/ septic shock followed in intensive care units (ICU) was evaluated.

 Patients and methods: In our single-center, prospective clinical study, 80 patients with a
 diagnosis of sepsis/ septic shock who were hospitalized in ICU were included. The effects of
 NMES and muscle strengthening and standard physiotherapy exercises on the development of
 ICU-AW were observed. The day when our patients were diagnosed with sepsis was recorded as
 the first day of the study. Anthropometric and ultrasonographic measurements of bilateral
 biceps brachii and bilateral rectus femoris muscles were recorded on the following days i.e.
 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Sarcopenia was defined by anthropometric and ultrasonographic
 measurement, and all patient outcome data were recorded.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Being in the Intensive Care Unit

 -  Over the age of 18

 -  Diagnosed with sepsis/ septic shock

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Under the age of 18

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Having a cardiac pacemaker

 -  Amputated lower limbs

 -  Having severe venous insufficiency or major injuries to their lower extremities

 -  Having neuromuscular disease

 -  Malignancy