Introduction.

In Colombia, the mortality rate in the Intensive Care Unit is close to 32%; therefore, multiple mortality predictors have been studied to identify an inadequate evolution early. Muscle mass corresponds to about 50% of body weight and fulfills important metabolic functions such as energy generation and glucose homeostasis. A decrease of up to 1.6% of muscle mass per day has been reported in critically ill patients, a factor related to mortality.

Methods.

A prospective cohort study was carried out between May and June 2020, with a non-probabilistic convenience sample, including patients admitted to the different Intensive Care Units of the Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo University Hospital, performing a periodic record of anthropometric measurements and the thickness of the quadriceps muscle.

Results.

82 patients were included, finding age, number of hospital days, body mass index, and quadriceps muscle delta as variables associated with mortality. A measurement of the thickness of the quadriceps muscle at admission <2.5 cm was associated with a high risk of death and a decrease of >1.72 cm during the ultrasound control was associated with a poor prognosis.

Conclusions.

Although these variables were chosen based on their association with mortality, our results use important characteristics such as the measurement of muscle thickness and its delta during the stay in the intensive care unit, which indicates a greater consumption of physiological reserves associated with greater risk of complications and mortality.

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