Intensive care unit acquired weakness

Intensive care unit acquired weakness is a broad clinical term that describes an acute neuromuscular impairment that commonly affects patients during critical illness. It is prevalent in this cohort of patients, and can be further defined by electrophysiological studies and muscle biopsies. Both limb and respiratory muscles are affected in this condition, which results in a prolonged length of stay, increased mortality and long-term disability. Early mobilization of patients and the judicious use of sedatives, corticosteroids and neuromuscular blockers may decrease the incidence of the condition.