New Study: Hypermetabolism Drives Muscle Loss in ICU Patients

Researchers around Janusz von Renesse (Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden) at the Mildred Scheel Early Career Center Dresden discovered that persistent hypermetabolism in ICU patients is linked to faster muscle wasting.

Using indirect calorimetry, the study shows that elevated energy expenditure – especially when unmet by nutrition – accelerates muscle loss, independent of inflammation or sedation.

These findings, published in Critical Care, highlight the need for targeted metabolic monitoring and personalized nutrition to improve recovery in critical care.

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