Role of neuromuscular blocking agents in the development of polyneuropathy and myopathy in critically ill patients

Background

Acquired critical illness weakness (AWCIP) is the most frequent neuromuscular disease in intensive care medicine departments. Its importance is given by the prolongation of hospital stay and the delayed recovery it causes to patients after hospitalization.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between neuromuscular blocking agents and the development of acquired weakness in critically ill patients.

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective study of 103 critically ill patients who were periodically monitored with electromyography.

Results

The development of AWCIP was observed in 63 patients. The group of patients who developed AWCIP had a significantly higher utilization of neuromuscular blocking agents than the group who did not develop AWCIP [79.4% vs 50%, OR:3.85 (1.63–9.39), p < 0.02]; likewise, this group of patients had a longer ICU stay [32 days vs 14 days, OR: 1.11 (1.06–1.17), p < 0.001] and a longer mechanical ventilation time [24 days vs 9 days, OR:1.2 (1.11–1.32), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

Neuromuscular blocking agents are a factor associated with the occurrence of AWCIP.