Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: framing the topic.

Abstract

One of the many potential sequelae of intensive care is prolonged weakness, which can be associated with increased morbidity during the intensive care unit stay and long-term functional disability. Despite increased awareness of this complication in recent years, diagnosing intensive care unit-acquired weakness remains difficult and there are no specific therapies. Management, therefore, relies on limiting its short- and long-term effects. One method by which this may be achieved is to reduce sedative use and promote early mobilization and exercise.