Electrophysiological studies in the critical care unit: investigating polyneuropathies.
Open Access
- 1 February 1998
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences
- Vol. 25 (1), S32-S35
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0317167100034703
Abstract
Polyneuropathies frequently contribute to ventilator dependency and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. As clinical examination is often limited in critically ill patients, electrophysiological studies are invaluable in establishing the diagnosis of neuropathy, determining its pathophysiology, severity and in following the patients' progression. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) developing before intensive care unit admission and critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) developing as a complication of sepsis and multiorgan failure are the commonest causes of neuropathy. Electrophysiological findings in CIP are that of an axonal neuropathy whereas the findings in GBS are usually consistent with a demyelinating neuropathy. Axonal GBS can be distinguished from CIP by the preceding illnesses, slow nerve conduction velocity in some cases, lack of spontaneous activity on the initial needle electromyographic study and cerebrospinal fluid findings.Keywords
This publication has 15 references indexed in Scilit:
- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome presenting with severe respiratory failureMuscle & Nerve, 1996
- Campylobacter jejuniInfection and Guillain–Barré SyndromeNew England Journal of Medicine, 1995
- Guillain-Barré syndrome in northern China: The spectrum of neuropathological changes in clinically defined casesBrain, 1995
- Severe axonal degeneration in acute Guillain-Barré syndrome: Evidence of two different mechanisms?Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 1993
- Acute motor axonal neuropathy: A frequent cause of acute flaccid paralysis in ChinaAnnals of Neurology, 1993
- Electrophysiological changes in the acute “axonal” form of Guillain–Barre syndromeMuscle & Nerve, 1993
- Prolonged paralysis after treatment with neuromuscular junction blocking agentsCritical Care Medicine, 1991
- Peripheral Nerve Function in Sepsis and Multiple Organ FailureChest, 1991
- CRITICAL ILLNESS POLYNEUROPATHYBrain, 1987
- AN ACUTE AXONAL FORM OF GUILLAIN-BARRÉE POLYNEUROPATHYBrain, 1986