Low skeletal muscle mass and loss of lean tissue in critically illness have been associated with negative clinical outcomes. Critically ill patients may lose about 25% of their skeletal muscle mass within 7 days of admission to the intensive care unit. Besides increased protein catabolism, other factors inherent to the ICU environment contribute to muscle loss, including patient immobility and interruptions in nutrient delivery. This combination of factors is especially debilitating in patients with preexisting low muscle stores due to sarcopenia, chronic illness, or malnutrition. Although preservation of skeletal muscle mass is important for recovery in critically ill patients, the mechanism of muscle wasting is not unknown. Muscle wasting is a multifactorial process and it may be the consequence of several events, including oxidative stress, inflammatory conditions and muscle remodeling. Omega-3 fatty acids with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anabolic effects can be a key factor for an effective treatment.
The risk of muscle wasting, and sarcopenia is high in the intensive care unit patients and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The etiology of muscle wasting is multifactorial and medical nutrition therapy plays a key role in treatment and prevention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment and/or prevention of muscle wasting in critically ill trauma patients.