Intensive Care Unit-Acquired neuromyopathy (ICU-ANM) in children

Abstract

Intensive care unit acquired neuromyopathy (ICU-ANM) is a common complication occurring in a significant proportion of critically ill patients. Among children, the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis and management strategies of this disease are not well explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and the risk factors of ICU-ANM in our pediatric ICU (PICU). We observed 5 cases of ICU-ANM with a mean age of 3 years. They required prolonged mechanical ventilation and developed sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction. Risk factors identified were sepsis (4/5), multiple organ failure (2/5), mechanical ventilation (5/5), corticosteroids (1/5), and hyperglycemia (2/5). Spontaneous improvement occurred within several months in only 2 cases and the rest had died.