RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

AI Based Muscular Ultrasound to Assess Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness

This study is exploring a new way to identify and monitor a common problem called Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness (ICUAW). This weakness can affect muscles after people have been very ill in intensive care. Currently, it can be hard to check for this weakness, especially if patients are sedated or confused and can't easily cooperate. Researchers are investigating if artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately analyse muscle ultrasound scans to pick up signs of this weakness. They want to see if AI's findings match how severe the weakness is, what doctors see on scans, and how patients recover in the short and long term. The goal is to make it simpler and more reliable to detect and keep an eye on muscle weakness in intensive care patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Jena University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness Artifical Intelligence Ultrasound

What is this study about?

When people are very poorly in intensive care, their muscles can sometimes become weak. This is called Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness, or ICUAW. It's a common problem and can make it harder for patients to recover and get back to their normal lives. At the moment, it can be tricky for doctors to spot this weakness and keep track of it, especially if patients are asleep, confused, or too unwell to join in with examinations.

This study is looking into whether artificial intelligence (AI) can help. AI is like a very smart computer program that can learn from lots of information. In this case, the AI would learn to look at ultrasound scans of muscles. Ultrasound is a safe and painless way to look inside the body using sound waves, similar to how baby scans work. Doctors already use ultrasound to check muscles, but sometimes it can be a bit subjective, meaning different doctors might interpret the scans slightly differently.

The researchers hope that AI can make this process more accurate and consistent. They want to see if the AI can reliably pick out changes in muscle scans that point to ICUAW. They'll also check if what the AI finds matches how severe the weakness is, what doctors normally notice on scans, and how patients are doing 30 and 90 days after leaving intensive care. The aim is to develop a quicker, simpler, and more objective way to find and monitor muscle weakness in critical care patients, ultimately helping them get the best possible care.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI to analyse muscle ultrasound scans.
It aims to improve early detection of muscle weakness in intensive care.
No new treatments or medicines are involved.
It's an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and collect information.
Participation helps future patients in intensive care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people. Firstly, they need adults aged 18 or over who are having major planned surgery, like heart or tummy operations, and are expected to stay in intensive care for more than a day afterwards. The researchers want to understand how muscle weakness develops in these patients.

Secondly, they also need healthy people of a similar age who are employees of the anaesthesiology and intensive care department. These individuals will act as a comparison group, helping the researchers understand what normal muscle scans look like when there's no intensive care weakness present. This helps them identify the changes linked to the weakness.

You won't be able to take part if you've had emergency surgery, have certain existing nerve or muscle conditions, or if you're on a very high dose of certain medications called 'steroids'. Also, if you've done this study before, you can't join again. Most importantly, everyone needs to give their full consent to participate.

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 major planned surgery?
Do you expect to stay in intensive care for more than one day after surgery?
Do you have any existing nerve or muscle conditions?
Are you currently on very high doses of steroid medication?
Have you been asked to be a healthy comparison for the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this is an observational study, it means you won't be given any new treatments or medications. If you take part, doctors will perform regular muscle ultrasound scans using standard equipment, similar to scans expectant mothers have. These scans are quick, painless, and safe. The study will mainly involve collecting information from these scans and also looking at your medical records to understand your recovery and health outcomes 30 and 90 days after your hospital stay.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is contributing to research that could lead to better ways of detecting and managing muscle weakness in intensive care patients in the future. As this is an observational study, there are no direct physical risks from the procedures described (muscle ultrasound scans are very safe). The main risk is the slight inconvenience of the process. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital
Verified postcode
Jena, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness'?

It's a type of muscle weakness that can develop in people who have been very ill and stayed in an intensive care unit (ICU).

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

AI is a computer system designed to do tasks that normally require human intelligence, like recognising patterns or images, to help doctors.

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body, like muscles. It's safe and doesn't hurt.

Will I get new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about observing and gathering information, not testing new treatments. You'll receive your usual medical care.

Does taking part mean I get special treatment?

No, your medical care will be exactly the same whether you take part in the study or not. Your decision won't affect your treatment.

How to find out more

PD Dr. Johannes Ehler, M.D.

johannes.ehler@med.uni-jena.de +4936419323397 Official trial record

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