Tiny study aims to unlock mystery of ICU muscle wasting

NCT ID NCT03810768

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Technical University of Munich Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study is looking at why some patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) develop severe muscle weakness after surgery. Researchers will take blood and small muscle samples from 20 high-risk patients to look for chemical changes that might cause or signal this weakness. The goal is not to test a treatment, but to better understand the problem so that future studies can work on preventing or treating it.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify early markers or causes of ICU-acquired muscle weakness, pointing toward future prevention or treatment strategies.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (20 participants) focused on observation, not treatment. It may not lead to any direct clinical benefit and findings may not apply to all ICU patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute quadriplegic myopathy Critical Illness critical illness polyneuropathy metabolic disease muscle tissue disorder Muscle Weakness polyneuropathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRITICAL CARE CRITICAL ILLNESS CRITICAL ILLNESS MYOPATHY CRITICAL ILLNESS POLYNEUROPATHY INTENSIVE CARE (ICU) MYOPATHY METABOLOMICS MUSCLE WEAKNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Berlin, State of Berlin, 10117, Germany
Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Munich, Bavaria, 81675, Germany
Medical University of Vienna
RECRUITING

Vienna, State of Vienna, 1090, Austria

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