New perspective on post-ICU syndrome

global assessment of functionality after intensive care

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.96375pt

Keywords:

Intensive Care Units, Critical Care, Patient Discharge, Functional Status, Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: To identify the variation in functionality of critically ill patients three months after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit.

Method: This is a prospective cohort of 103 patients admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Southern Brazil between February and July 2024. Functionality, quality of life, anxiety, depression, cognition and frailty were assessed at four points in time: admission, discharge, 30 days, and 90 days after discharge.  Data was analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range.

Results: At 90 days, 52 patients remained in the cohort, with a mean age of 63 years and 66% male. Functionality worsened at 30 days when compared to admission (p=0.004) and frailty increased in the same period (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The most critical period occurs 30 days after discharge, with worsening functionality and increased frailty, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and care transition strategies with post-ICU follow-up.

Author Biographies

Amanda Christina Kozesinski-Nakatani, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Intensive Care Physician. Professor at the Pequeno Príncipe College, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Álvaro Réa-Neto, Centro de Estudos e de Pesquisas em Terapia Intensiva, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.

Intensive Care Physician. PhD in Internal Medicine and Health Sciences. Professor at the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Kamila Janiscki, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Medical. Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Taher Tiba, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Undergraduate medical student. Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Maria Nesryn Tiba, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Undergraduate medical student. Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Beatriz Lottermann Konzen, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Undergraduate medical student. Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Auristela Duarte de Lima Moser, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná

Physiotherapist. Post-Doctorate in Human Functioning and Quality of Life. Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

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Published

2025-06-03

How to Cite

Kozesinski-Nakatani, A. C., Réa-Neto, Álvaro, Janiscki, K., Tiba, T., Tiba, M. N., Konzen, B. L., & Moser, A. D. de L. (2025). New perspective on post-ICU syndrome: global assessment of functionality after intensive care. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.96375pt

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

Research

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Copyright (c) 2025 AMANDA CHRISTINA KOZESINSKI NAKATANI

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