Skeletal muscle mass assessment in critically ill patients: method and application

The skeletal muscle has a significant role on physical functions, and the assessment of is important in critically ill patients. Computed tomography (CT), ultrasound examination, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device, biomarkers can all be used to assess mass. CT useful for accurately measuring mass, measurement conducted at third lumbar vertebra level as gold standard. However, using done retrospectively because involves radiation exposure requires patients transported examination room. On other hand, BIA are noninvasive bedside longitudinal accurate knowledge skills. Assessments should carefully interpreted under dynamic fluid change edema. Furthermore, various mass have been recently reported. Appropriate will contribute nutrition rehabilitation intervention so that they return society.