A framework for diagnosing and classifying intensive care unit-acquired weakness

Crit Care Med. 2009 Oct;37(10 Suppl):S299-308. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3181b6ef67.

Abstract

Neuromuscular dysfunction is prevalent in critically ill patients, is associated with worse short-term outcomes, and is a determinant of long-term disability in intensive care unit survivors. Diagnosis is made with the help of clinical, electrophysiological, and morphological observations; however, the lack of a consistent nomenclature remains a barrier to research. We propose a simple framework for diagnosing and classifying neuromuscular disorders acquired in critical illness.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bed Rest
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Critical Illness / classification*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Muscle Weakness / classification*
  • Muscle Weakness / diagnosis
  • Neurologic Examination / methods
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / classification*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / prevention & control