Assessment of quadriceps muscle thickness using bedside ultrasonography by nurses and physicians in the intensive care unit: Intra- and inter-operator agreement

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the agreement among multiple operators for measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness by bedside ultrasonography (USG) are sparse. AIM: To statistically assess the agreement among 5 operators for measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness on bedside USG. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. The 5 operators of varied experience (comprised of 1 critical care consultant, 2 fellows, and 2 nurses) independently measured quadriceps muscle thickness in triplicate for 45 critically ill patients each, using USG. Intra- and interrater agreement rates among the 5 operators were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and expressed with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: < 0.001) for reading 3. CONCLUSION: USG measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness was not dependent on clinical experience, supporting training for nurses in it.