Implementation of Ultrasound Measurement of Quadriceps Thickness in Routine Clinical Practice

Abstract

Objectives: Cachexia, frailty, sarcopenia impact the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). Ultrasound-based measurement of quadriceps thickness during the rest and contraction helping to determine severity of sarcopenia and has prognostic value. Ultrasound(US) a valuable tool for assessing skeletal muscle mass and function due to its non-invasive nature, real-time imaging capability, and accessibility.
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate possibility of implementation of measurement of quadriceps thickness at rest and during contraction in routine practice of cardiology department.
Materials and Methods: 23 patients, 8 female,15 male,mean age 55,3 (31-75), mainly pts with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, hospitalized in the cardiology department represented study population. Quadriceps muscle thickness was measured by linear sensor 7L4A, 3.5 - 13.0 MHz, ultrasound device DC N6 Mindray, China. The examiner was specialist who had conducted evaluations using ultrasound in a clinical setting for at least 10 years. Measurement of quadriceps thickness at rest and during contraction has been done not separately but in addition to planned ultrasound examination of other organs (liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, etc.)
Results: Only one of 23 participants of study drops out. Measurement of quadriceps thickness at rest and during contraction takes 2-4 minutes.
Conclusions: Measurement of quadriceps thickness at rest and during contraction by ultrasound is a simple and short in time procedure and could be implemented in routine clinical practice.