Title
A Stronger Approach to Weakness in the Intensive Care Unit
Document Type
Response or Comment
Publication Date
10-1-2004
Journal
Critical Care
Volume
8
Issue
6
First Page
416
Last Page
418
Abstract
ICU-acquired limb and respiratory muscle weakness is a common, serious ICU syndrome, increasing in frequency with prolonged ICU stay and sepsis. A systematic approach facilitates precise localization of the problem within central or peripheral nervous system. Most cases relate to critical illness polyneuropathy or myopathy or a combination of both (critical illness neuromyopathy). Within the latter entity, the relative contribution of neuropathy versus myopathy varies considerably among affected patients. Muscle enzyme testing, electromyography-nerve conduction and muscle biopsy are valuable investigative tests. Nerve biopsy is less commonly needed, but is useful when vascultis is suspected.
Notes
Published in: Critical Care, 2004, 8:416-418. doi: 10.1186/cc2961