Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in ICU Acquired Muscle Weakness
Egypt58 participantsStarted 2023-09-10
Plain-language summary
Intensive care unit -acquired weakness (ICU- AW) is a common consequence linked to a worse outcome as evidenced by prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer ICU stays, greater mortality rates and a lower quality of life for survivors, so early detection and treatment of ICU-AW are critical. However, there is no "gold standard" currently available for assessing and diagnosing ICU-AW. It's crucial to develop diagnostic methods that enable for early detection and risk stratification in all critically ill patients, such as:
GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor-15) is thought to be a mediator of muscle atrophy because its level increases in the muscular atrophy As a result, measuring GDF-15 seems promise for diagnosing muscle atrophy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* age more than 18 conscious patients patients with expected ICU stay more than 7 days
Exclusion Criteria:
\- unconscious patients spinal cord injury limb fracture or amputations history of cognitive dysfunction severe oedema end stage kidney disease
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial looked at something called Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in relation to ICU-acquired muscle weakness — could you explain what GDF-15 is and whether it might be relevant to understanding my own muscle weakness after a critical illness?
2Since this study was measuring the incidence of ICU-acquired muscle weakness and its relationship to GDF-15, does that mean it was mainly trying to understand who gets this condition and why, rather than testing a new treatment — and if so, how does that affect what it could mean for my care?
3The trial is listed as completed with no phase designation, which suggests it was an observational study rather than a drug trial — so would the findings from this kind of research actually change how my doctors monitor or manage my muscle weakness in the ICU or after discharge?
4Are there any published results from this study that my care team has reviewed, and do those findings suggest any practical steps — like specific monitoring or rehabilitation approaches — that I should be asking about for my own recovery?
5Given that ICU-acquired muscle weakness can have serious long-term consequences, are there currently any treatment trials or proven rehabilitation strategies I should be considering alongside or instead of what this observational study explored?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.