Correlation Between Early Serum Myoglobin Levels and the Incidence and Prognosis of Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) in Septic Shock Patients: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Intensive Care Unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a common complication that significantly impedes patient recovery. In the study, we investigated the correlation between early serum myoglobin levels in patients with septic shock due to pneumonia, and the incidence of ICU-AW, duration of mechanical ventilation, and prognosis. Patients were classified based on the development of ICU-AW within the first 10 days of ICU admission. We measured serum myoglobin levels upon ICU entry, and analyzed demographic data, APACHE II scores, use of mechanical ventilation, and clinical outcomes, including mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation. The results indicated significantly elevated serum myoglobin levels in the ICU-AW group, correlated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased mortality. ROC analysis revealed myoglobin as a promising biomarker for predicting ICU-AW, with an area under the curve of 0.843 (95% CI: 0.819~0.867), demonstrating a sensitivity of 76.00% and specificity of 82.30%. These findings underscored serum myoglobin as a predictive biomarker for early ICU-AW in septic shock patients, highlighting its potential to guide clinical decision-making.

Key words
septic shock; intensive care unit-acquired weakness; myoglobin; prognosis; correlation; biomarker