Long-term outcome of critical illness polyneuropathy.

The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of patients with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP). Twenty-six patients with CIP were studied to determine the clinical and electrophysiological profile 13-24 months after the onset of CIP. Seven patients refused to participate in the study; 6 patients died within the 1st year. Eleven of the 13 survivors showed clinical evidence of polyneuropathy. Five of these patients also had mononeuropathies, including peroneal and ulnar nerves. The quality of life was markedly impaired in all patients. Nerve conduction studies, including limb motor and sensory nerve conductions, bilateral phrenic nerve onset latencies, and bilateral diaphragmatic compound muscle action potentials, were abnormal in all patients. Incomplete recovery within 1-2 years after the onset of disease occurs frequently in patients with CIP.