CompletedNot Applicable

CT-Determined Sarcopenia and Mortality in Critically Ill Cancer Patients

Mexico23 participantsStarted 2026-07-10

Plain-language summary

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the association between computed tomography-determined sarcopenia and muscle quality impairment with 28-day mortality in adult patients (aged 18 and older) with solid or hematologic malignancies admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The main question it aims to answer is: Is lower psoas muscle quality, calculated using the Hounsfield Unit Average Calculation (HUAC), associated with increased 28-day mortality in critically ill cancer patients? Researchers will compare patients who survived at 28 days with those who died to evaluate whether tomographic muscle measurements (HUAC and total psoas area) and clinical nutritional scores (mNUTRIC) differ between groups and predict mortality. Participants' records will be evaluated through: * A retrospective review of electronic medical records to collect demographic, clinical, oncologic, laboratory, and disease severity scores (APACHE II, SOFA, mNUTRIC). * Quantitative tomographic assessment of the right and left psoas muscle area and radiation attenuation density (in Hounsfield Units) using existing computed tomography (CT) scans performed during routine clinical care. * Follow-up of 28-day vital status (alive or deceased) after ICU admission.

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: * Adult patients aged 18 years or older. * Confirmed diagnosis of solid or hematological malignancy. * Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025. * Availability of an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan performed during routine clinical care at the time of or prior to ICU admission. Exclusion Criteria: * Missing or incomplete clinical, laboratory, or outcome data in the electronic medical record. * Non-evaluable abdominal CT scans due to motion artifacts, metal artifacts, or lack of cross-sectional visibility of the bilateral psoas muscles.

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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.

What they're measuring

28-Day All-Cause Mortality

Timeframe: At 28 days post-ICU admission

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07761481

SponsorHospital H+ Queretaro

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-05

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