ICU acquired neuropathy and myopathy

Patients admitted to intensive care often develop complications. Among these, acquired difficulties with neuromuscular function are widely recognised as potential causes of clinical worsening and delayed recovery in these individuals. Critical Illness Pofineuropathy and Critical Illness Myopathy are the most commonly recognised disorders which often occur simultaneously in the critically ill patients. Incidence of both Critical Illness Polineuropathy (from 2 to 80%) and Critical Illness Myopathy (from 1 to 7%) vary consistently according to the patients' selection, being diagnosis mainly addressed by clinical signs and electromyography test. Awareness among health care professionals, early recognition and diagnosis, patient's education about outcome and long-term prognosis, streamlining rehabilitation perspectives are considered short- and long-term key aspects which may optimise care in these patients. This short review will provide the main aspects dealing with definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical management of acquired difficulties with neuromuscular function in the critical care area.