Korean J Crit Care Med.  2011 Nov;26(4):203-207. 10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.4.203.

ICU Acquired Weakness

• Na SW
• Koh SO

• KMID: 2228042
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.4.203

Abstract

Critical care has focused on recovery from acute organ failure and resuscitation. Neuromuscular abnormalities related to critical illness is not uncommon in critically ill patients, but they were relatively underestimated and unnoticed. Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) leading to severe functional impairments in ICU survivors can be divided into two disease entities: critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and critical illness myopathy (CIM). Electrophysiologic study, muscle biopsy and physical examination are helpful to diagnose ICUAW. Several researches and reviews identified many risk factors including systemic inflammation, corticosteroids, hyperglycemia, and immobility. Additional research is needed to identify the pathogenesis of this disorder and to testify its preventive or therapeutic modalities.

Keyword

intensive care unit acquired weakness; myopathy; polyneuropathy

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Biopsy
Critical Care
Critical Illness
Humans
Hyperglycemia
Inflammation
Intensive Care Units
Muscles
Muscular Diseases
Physical Examination
Polyneuropathies
Resuscitation
Risk Factors
Survivors
Adrenal Cortex Hormones