Mortality and Length of Stay in Critically Ill Patients With Low Muscle Mass

In critical care, low muscle mass is proposed as a risk factor for adverse outcomes that may be modified by nutrition. However, health care providers, including physicians and registered dietitians, may not routinely consider this risk factor in screening, assessing, or designing interventions. A literature search was conducted to compare clinical outcomes in critically ill adult patients with and without low muscle mass upon admission. This narrative review identified a statistically significant association between low muscle mass and increased risk of mortality and length of stay. Health care providers should consider screening for low muscle mass upon admission, as this may inform practice and improve clinical outcomes.