Sarcopenia and diaphragmatic motility in patients with acute respiratory failure treated with high-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive ventilation

Aim: To investigate whether sarcopenia is associated with reduced diaphragmatic motility in older adults hospitalized for acute respiratory failure requiring high-flow nasal cannula or non-invasive ventilation. Findings: In this multicenter observational study including 127 patients, sarcopenia was present in over half of cases and was associated with significantly lower diaphragmatic excursion and thickening fraction. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and respiratory severity, reduced diaphragmatic excursion remained independently associated with sarcopenia. Message: Bedside diaphragmatic ultrasound can help identify older patients with respiratory muscle weakness and may support a more individualized management during acute respiratory failure.