The Pathophysiology of Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Critical Illness

Disability after critical illness is heterogeneous and related to multiple morbidities. Muscle and nerve injury represent prevalent and important determinants of long-term disability. As the population ages and accrues a greater burden of comorbid illness and medical complexity, those patients admitted to an intensive care unit will be challenged in their recovery because of diminished organ reserve and variable tissue resiliency. This represents a significant burgeoning public health concern. This article presents a brief overview of the pathophysiology and the emerging basic science of neuromuscular dysfunction in critical illness.