In this study, low baseline diaphragm muscle mass in critically ill patients was associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, complications of acute respiratory failure, and an increased risk of death in the hospital.

A total of 193 patients were available for analysis; the mean (SD) age was 60 (15) years, 73 (38%) were female, and the median (interquartile range) Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 10 (8-13). Median (interquartile range) baseline Tdi was 2.3 (2.0-2.7) mm.

In the primary prespecified analysis, baseline Tdi of 2.3 mm or less was associated with delayed liberation from mechanical ventilation.

The primary outcome was time to liberation from ventilation accounting for the competing risk of death and adjusting for age, body mass index, severity of illness, sepsis, change in Tdi during ventilation, baseline comorbidity, and study center. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital death and complications of acute respiratory failure.

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