Abstract
ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW), including critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, and critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy, is a frequent disabling disorder in ICU subjects. Research has predominantly been performed by intensivists, whose efforts have permitted the diagnosis of ICUAW early during an ICU stay and understanding of several of the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of this disorder. Despite important progress, the therapeutic strategies are unsatisfactory and issues such as functional outcomes and long-term recovery remain unclear. Studies involving multiple specialists should be planned to better differentiate the ICUAW types and provide proper functional outcome measures and follow-up. A more strict collaboration among specialists interested in ICUAW, in particular physiatrists, is desirable to plan proper care pathways after ICU discharge and to better meet the health needs of subjects with ICUAW.
Highlights
Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a frequent disabling disorder that can occur in ICU subjects
ICU-acquired weakness: clinical course and recovery ICUAW is a major cause of chronically impaired motor function that can affect activities of daily living and quality of life; proper prognosis as well as previewing the clinical course and recovery represent crucial aspects in the management of ICUAW subjects
It has been reported that subjects with the critical illness myopathy (CIM) type have a better prognosis than those suffering from critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) or CIP/CIM and achieve full recovery within 6–12 months after ICU discharge [12, 13]
Summary
ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a frequent disabling disorder that can occur in ICU subjects. Further important aspect to consider is that most studies addressing functional outcomes in subjects suffering from ICUAW types investigated patients with this disorder, regardless of the primary cause of admission to the ICU.
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