Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy in the vascular patient

  1. Álvarez Salgado, Andrés
  2. Vallina Vázquez, M.J.
  3. Vaquero Lorenzo, Fernando
  4. Ramos Gallo, María José
  5. Álvarez Fernández, Luis Javier
Revista:
Revista española de investigaciones quirúrgicas

ISSN: 1139-8264

Año de publicación: 2013

Volumen: 16

Número: 2

Páginas: 69-72

Tipo: Artículo

Otras publicaciones en: Revista española de investigaciones quirúrgicas

Resumen

Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder resulting in flaccid tetraparesia and difficulty in extubation that occurs in intensive care unit patients, among patients subjected to vascular surgery. The main risk factor for its appearance is the presence of sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Case reports: Two cases of Critical illness polyneuropathy were diagnosed in vascular patients treated for a brachiocephalic trunk aneurysm and an abdominal aortic aneurysm who presented difficulty in extubation and flaccid tetraparesia in the postoperative period. Both died after a prolonged stay in hospital. This pathology is relatively frequent in intensive care unit patients, presenting elevated morbidity and mortality. It is important to suspect its presence as well as to know its prognosis. Furthermore, although specific treatment does not exist, it is important to initiate a rehabilitation programme as soon as possible.