ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill patients with obesity admitted to an ICU
Methodological detailsinterprofessional expert panel, Review of major trials and guidelines integrated with clinical expertise
- Interprofessional expert panel
- Review of major trials and guidelines integrated with clinical expertise
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Three distinct phenotypes potentially influence outcomes for survivors
- Preserved muscle mass may give a survival advantage; ectopic visceral fat or sarcopenia phenotypes often complicated by multimorbidity and polypharmacy, likely raising risk of suboptimal sedation, prolonged ventilation and immobilisation, malnutrition and impaired recovery
- Targeted respiratory interventions (secretion clearance, positioning to prevent atelectasis) reduce work of breathing
- Optimising communication and swallowing is essential for safe oral intake and active participation in rehabilitation
- Targeted nutrition with early, targeted, progressive mobilisation might mitigate ICU acquired weakness and support functional recovery
- Appropriate weight-based equipment is fundamental to safe mobilisation for patients and staff
Original publication
Key principles for rehabilitation of critically ill patients with obesity. Intensive Care Med. Published 17 July 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →