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Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
09:44

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Critical illness neuromuscular disease in children manifested as ventilatory dependence

R D Sheth1, W E Pryse-Phillips, J E Riggs

  • 1Department of Neurology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown 26506-9180.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged mechanical ventilation in children with critical illness can cause reversible quadriparesis and muscle weakness. This condition, known as critical illness neuromuscular disease, may affect pediatric patients requiring extensive ventilatory support.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Critical illness neuromuscular disease (CINMD) is a recognized syndrome in adults.
  • Prolonged mechanical ventilation is a common intervention for critically ill children.

Observation:

  • Four children requiring 8 to 20 days of ventilatory support for severe sepsis or respiratory failure developed quadriparesis, muscle wasting, and hyporeflexia.
  • These symptoms were reversible after discontinuation of assisted ventilation.

Findings:

  • The observed symptoms in children align with the characteristics of critical illness neuromuscular disease.
  • Pediatric patients dependent on ventilators may be susceptible to developing CINMD.

Implications:

  • Recognizing CINMD in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • This highlights the importance of monitoring for neuromuscular complications in pediatric intensive care units.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and optimal treatment strategies for pediatric CINMD.

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