[Occurrence, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of intensive care unit-acquired weakness]

In recent years, it has been gradually recognized that muscle weakness is a prominent and common problem in intensive care unit (ICU). It is estimated that more than 1 million patients worldwide develop ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) each year. Its etiology is complex and the prognosis is poor. Respiratory muscle paralysis may even occur in severe cases, resulting in prolonged mechanical ventilation and hospitalization, increasing the hospital mortality of ICU patients, and leading to chronic disability. The pathogenesis of ICU-AW is not yet fully understood. Early recognition and diagnosis are difficult, and standard treatment strategies are lacking. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of muscle atrophy and muscle dysfunction, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of current diagnostic methods for ICU-AW, and discusses the important significance of rehabilitation for the recovery of neuromuscular function in patients with ICU-AW on this basis, in order to improve clinicians' diagnosis and treatment of patients with ICU-AW, reduce mortality and improve prognosis.