Critically ill patients may suffer from acute neuropathy or myopathy causing muscle weakness and paralysis. The terminology regarding these neuromuscular alterations is confusing and terms such as critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, intensive care unit weakness or paralysis are often used interchangeably. Electrophysiological investigations of peripheral nerves and muscles are important to define the nature of the pathological process, to achieve a differential diagnosis and to predict long-term prognosis. Measurement of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council score or handgrip dynamometry is important to define the severity of muscle strength impairment and to predict short-term morbidity and hospital mortality. Intensive insulin treatment may reduce the severity of the syndrome; however, its safety is questioned. Early physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy associated with interruption of sedation may result in better outcomes.
Eur Crit Care Emerg Med
LATRONICO, Nicola
2010-01-01
Abstract
Critically ill patients may suffer from acute neuropathy or myopathy causing muscle weakness and paralysis. The terminology regarding these neuromuscular alterations is confusing and terms such as critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, intensive care unit weakness or paralysis are often used interchangeably. Electrophysiological investigations of peripheral nerves and muscles are important to define the nature of the pathological process, to achieve a differential diagnosis and to predict long-term prognosis. Measurement of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council score or handgrip dynamometry is important to define the severity of muscle strength impairment and to predict short-term morbidity and hospital mortality. Intensive insulin treatment may reduce the severity of the syndrome; however, its safety is questioned. Early physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy associated with interruption of sedation may result in better outcomes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.