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Acute myopathy in status asthmaticus
J D Blackie1, P Gibson, K Murree-Allen
1Neurology Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales.
Clinical and Experimental Neurology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Acute myopathy can complicate severe asthma, particularly in intensive care units. This condition, often linked to corticosteroids and neuromuscular blockers, typically resolves fully.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Acute myopathy is an increasingly recognized complication of life-threatening asthma.
- This condition often requires intensive care unit (ICU) management, including mechanical ventilation.
Observation:
- A cohort of 12 ICU patients with severe asthma was reviewed.
- Nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and muscle biopsies were performed on three patients.
- Elevated creatine kinase levels were observed in 11 out of 12 patients, with symptomatic weakness in four.
Findings:
- The myopathy associated with status asthmaticus is not a single clinicopathological entity.
- While myopathy is the primary feature, some patients exhibit a neuropathic component.
- Full recovery from the myopathy is the usual outcome.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a complex neuromuscular complication in severe asthma.
- Corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents are implicated as potential causative factors.
- Understanding this complication is crucial for managing severe asthma patients in critical care settings.