Resumen de Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy in the vascular patient
Andrés Álvarez Salgado, M.J. Vallina Vázquez, Fernando Vaquero Lorenzo, María José Ramos Gallo, Luis Javier Álvarez Fernández
Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder resulting in flaccid tetraparesia and difficulty in extubation that occurs in intensive care unit patients, among patients subjected to vascular surgery. The main risk factor for its appearance is the presence of sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
Case reports: Two cases of Critical illness polyneuropathy were diagnosed in vascular patients treated for a brachiocephalic trunk aneurysm and an abdominal aortic aneurysm who presented difficulty in extubation and flaccid tetraparesia in the postoperative period. Both died after a prolonged stay in hospital.
This pathology is relatively frequent in intensive care unit patients, presenting elevated morbidity and mortality. It is important to suspect its presence as well as to know its prognosis. Furthermore, although specific treatment does not exist, it is important to initiate a rehabilitation programme as soon as possible.
