Update on Critical Illness Polyneuropathy and Myopathy

Recognition of disorders of the neuromuscular system resulting from critical illness is relatively recent, perhaps because the triumphs of modern medicine have increased the number . . .

Recognition of disorders of the neuromuscular system resulting from critical illness is relatively recent, perhaps because the triumphs of modern medicine have increased the number of patients who survive serious illness and spend extended time in intensive care units (ICUs). Bolton and colleagues reported a series of patients who survived critical illness but had difficulty weaning from the respirator (Neurology 1983; 33:186); they later postulated that this constellation of symptoms and signs was due to the direct effects of sepsis. The initial controversy around this concept has quieted, and now critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), critical illness myopathy (CIM), and the combination of the two are recognized by most as disorders resul…

Reviewing Author

William J. Litchy, MD