Body Mass Index and Mortality in Korean Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

BackgroundThe level of body mass index (BMI) that is associated with the lowest mortality in critically ill patients in Asian populations is uncertain. We aimed to examine the association of BMI with hospital mortality in critically ill patients in Korea.MethodsWe conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study of 3,655 critically ill patients in 22 intensive care units (ICUs) in Korea. BMI was categorized into five groups: 2.ResultsThe median BMI was 22.6 (IQR 20.3 to 25.1). The percentages of patients with BMIp = 0.02).ConclusionsA graded inverse association between BMI and hospital mortality with a strong significant trend was found in critically ill patients in Korea.