Critical illness myopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the incidence, major risk factors, and the clinical, electrophysiological, and histological features of critical illness myopathy (CIM). Major pathogenetic mechanisms and long-term consequences of CIM are also reviewed.


RESULTS
CIM is frequently associated with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), and may have a relevant impact on patients' outcome. CIM has an earlier onset than CIP, and recovery is faster. Loss of myosin filaments on muscle biopsy is important to diagnose CIM, and has a good prognosis. Critical illness, use of steroids, and immobility concur in causing CIM.


CONCLUSIONS
A rationale diagnostic approach to CIM using clinical, electrophysiological, and muscle biopsy investigations is important to plan adequate therapy and to predict recovery.
Division of Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, University of Brescia at Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy. nicola.latronico@med.unibs.it
Nicola
N
Latronico
Giuliano
G
Tomelleri
Massimiliano
M
Filosto
D000208:Acute Disease; D015897:Comorbidity; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009220:Myositis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009336:Necrosis; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology