[POLYNEUROPATHY IN CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASES]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Neurology
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Critically ill children often develop complications affecting multiple organ systems.
• Polyneuropathy in critical illness (CIP) is a known complication in adult intensive care units.
• Data on the incidence and characteristics of CIP in pediatric populations is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and characteristics of polyneuropathy in pediatric patients with critical illnesses.
• To identify risk factors and clinical manifestations of critical illness polyneuropathy in children.

Main Methods:

• Electroneuromyography (ENMG) was performed on 14 critically ill pediatric patients.
• Patients had diverse infectious pathologies.
• Clinical data and neurological assessments were collected.

Main Results:

• Polyneuropathy was diagnosed in 10 out of 14 pediatric patients (71.4%).
• Severe forms of polyneuropathy were observed in 40% of affected children.
• Peripheral nerves of the lower extremities were predominantly affected.
• Polyneuropathy typically developed between the 5th and 7th day of mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

• Critical illness polyneuropathy is a common complication in pediatric intensive care.
• Early neurological assessment using ENMG is crucial for diagnosis in critically ill children.
• Understanding the timing and affected nerves can guide management and improve outcomes.