Evaluation of intensive care unit acquired weakness in patients with sepsis

Abstract

Purpose: Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) has a negative impact on functional outcome and mortality. We aim to determine the incidence of ICUAW in septic ICU patients and to explore its significant correlations with clinical and laboratory findings. Patients and Methods: We included forty ICU patients diagnosed with sepsis on admission or within 48 hours later. Twenty-five ICU patients with no sepsis were included as a control group. All study populations were evaluated using clinical muscle assessment (medical research council, MRC)and muscle ultrasound at two-time points, the first was between days 2 and 5, and the second was between days 10 and 15. Laboratory workup included complete blood count, coagulation profile, arterial blood gases, liver, and kidney function tests. Results: There was a gradual declining neuromuscular function in all study populations and more significant in septic patients' group.The incidence of ICUAW was 60% (by MRC score <48) and 100% (by abnormal muscle ultrasound) at second evaluation point of septic patients. SOFA score, blood haemoglobin level, total leucocytic count and creatinine had significant correlations with neuromuscular dysfunction.