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. 2017 Jan;7(1):41-48.
doi: 10.1177/1941874416663279. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Review of Critical Illness Myopathy and Neuropathy

Starane Shepherd  1 , Ayush Batra  1 , David P Lerner  1
Affiliations

Review of Critical Illness Myopathy and Neuropathy

Starane Shepherd et al. Neurohospitalist. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) and neuropathy are underdiagnosed conditions within the intensive care setting and contribute to prolonged mechanical ventilation and ventilator wean failure and ultimately lead to significant morbidity and mortality. These conditions are often further subdivided into CIM, critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), or the combination-critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM). In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of CIM, CIP, and CIPNM, along with diagnostic considerations such as detailed clinical examination, electrophysiological studies, and histopathological review of muscle biopsy specimens. We also review current available treatments and prognosis. Increased awareness and early recognition of CIM, CIP, and CIPNM in the intensive care unit setting may lead to earlier treatments and rehabilitation, improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: EMG/NCV; muscular disease; neurocritical care; neuromuscular disease; polyneuropathies.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Pathophysiology of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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