Phase angle is associated with the length of ICU stay in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between phase angle (PhA), sarcopenia, and the length of stay (LOS) in the coronary intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with non-ST acute coronary syndrome(NSTE-ACS).Methods: This was a prospective observational study that evaluated 80 patients with NSTE-ACS over the age of18 years, admitted to the ICU from January to June 2014. Upon admission, the patients'demographic information was recorded. Handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were performed, and blood samples were taken within the first 72 h of admission. All of the patients were followed during their ICU stays. Results: We evaluated 80 patients, five were excluded due to impossibility of assessing handgrip strength, and seven patients were not subjected to BIA. Thus, 68 patients with a mean age of 63.3 ± 13.1 years were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 60.1% were male, 27.9% of the patients had sarcopenia, 8.8% had LOSs≥8 days, and median phase angle was 6.5 (6.1­7.3)°. Multiple logistic regression adjusted for age and gender revealed tha PhA was not associated with the presence of sarcopenia. Additionally, PhA (OR 0.337; CI 95% 0.118­0.961;p= 0.04)but not sarcopenia (OR 0.517; CI 95% 0.055­4.879;p= 0.56) was associated with an increased LOS. Conclusions: PhA is associated with LOS in patients with NSTE-ACS. Additionally, there was no association between PhA and sarcopenia.

Vitamin D serum levels are associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 with midupper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), handgrip strength and length of hospital stay (LOS) after hip fracture. METHODS: In total, 102 consecutive patients with hip fracture over the age of 65 were admitted to the orthopedic unit and prospectively evaluated. All of the patients were treated according to specific protocols depending on the type of fracture. Anthropometric measurements and handgrip strength were performed, and blood samples were taken for serum biochemistry and 25(OH) vitamin D3 analysis within the first 72 h of admission. All of the patients were followed during their hospital stay, and the length of stay was recorded. RESULTS: Of the patients, two were excluded because of pathologic fractures. In total, 100 patients with a mean age of 80 ± 7 y were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 73% were female, and 37% had vitamin D deficiency. The median LOS was 7 (5-11) d. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had lower handgrip strength in univariate analysis. In the multiple linear regression analysis with robust standard error, serum vitamin D levels adjusted by age and sex were associated with handgrip strength but not with MUAMC and LOS after hip fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, vitamin D serum levels were associated with handgrip strength but not with muscle mass or length of hospital stay after hip fracture.