New perspective on post-ICU syndrome: global assessment of functionality after intensive care

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the variation in functionality of critically ill patients three months after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit. Method: This is a prospective cohort of 103 patients admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Southern Brazil between February and July 2024. Functionality, quality of life, anxiety, depression, cognition and frailty were assessed at four points in time: admission, discharge, 30 days, and 90 days after discharge. Data was analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range. Results: At 90 days, 52 patients remained in the cohort, with a mean age of 63 years and 66% male. Functionality worsened at 30 days when compared to admission (p=0.004) and frailty increased in the same period (p<0.001). Conclusion: The most critical period occurs 30 days after discharge, with worsening functionality and increased frailty, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and care transition strategies with post-ICU follow-up.