Neuromuscular complications of critical illness

Abstract

Neuromuscular sequelae are common in the critically ill. Critical illness polyneuropathy and critical illness myopathy are neuromuscular complications of sepsis or iatrogenic complications of treatments required in intensive care. This article discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these disorders based on a literature review. This review found that glycemic control, early mobilization, and judicious use of steroids and neuromuscular blocking agents are the primary approaches to reduce the incidence and severity of neuromuscular complications in affected patients.

Keywords: Acute quadriplegic myopathy; Critical illness myopathy; Critical illness polyneuropathy; Neuromuscular disorders; Sepsis.