Myopathy and Neuropathy of Intensive Care Unit: Risk factors, Prevention and Rehabilitation

Introduction: Critical Illness Polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) is an acquired axonal degeneration of motor, sensory and muscle fibers, that develops in patients admitted to the ICU for more than one week.

Purpose: To highlight the epidemiological data, the main risk factors and methods for prevention and rehabilitation of patients who develop CIPNM.

Material and Method: A literature review was carried out using the electronic databases of PubMed, Google Scholar and National Documentation Center.

Results: Patients who remain in the Intensive Care Unit for at least 7 days will develop CIPNM at a rate of 49-84%. The most important risk factors are sepsis, multiple organ failure, prolonged immobility, prolonged high blood sugar levels and the administration of corticosteroids and neuromuscular blockers. There is no specific treatment and the main way to prevent CIPNM is the avoidance of all these risk factors that lead to the development of the disorder.

Conclusions: CIPNM is a neuromuscular disorder more common than recognized, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality. Early mobilization of patients is extremely important for faster and more efficient recovery.