Nanas Serafim
Introduction: ICU acquired weakness(ICUAW) is a common complication of critical illness presenting with muscle weakness. The aim of the present study was the assessment of muscle strength and functional ability after ICU discharge. Methods: 37 consecutive critically ill patients were evaluated(28M, 9F).ICUAW was diagnosed clinically at ICU discharge with the medical research council (MRC) scale for muscle strength by two independent investigators (cut off 48/60). The patients were evaluated with MRC and Hand�?¢�?�?��?Grip dynamometry (HG) every 10 days until their discharge from the hospital. The functional abilitywas assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score at ICU discharge and after 8 months in a subgroup of patients. Results: 37 patients were evaluated (n=13 with ICUAW). Patients with ICUAW had a longer ICU and Hospital stay (26 vs 11, 28 vs 13 days). Patients with ICUAW had lower MRC (34±8 vs 56±3) score and HG (9 vs 23 kg) at ICU discharge and 10 days after ICU discharge ( 41±11 vs 57±3, 6 vs 12 kg). The FIM score improved significantly 8 months after hospital discharge.Conclusions: Patients with ICUAW had significantly longer ICU and hospital stay. They also had significantly lower muscle strength at their discharge from the ICU which remained compromised during hospital stay. The functional ability as assessed with the FIM score improved after 8 months. It seems that the development ICUAW affects the mobility of the patients, even after their discharge from the ICU, with negative impact to their functionality and the duration of their hospitalization.
