Muscle weakness, particularly impairment of the respiratory muscles, is a common problem in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.<sup>30 Goldstone J., Moxham J. Weaning from mechanical ventilation Thorax 1991 ;  46 : 56-62  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> In most patients, muscle weakness is the consequence of their illness. Patients who have sepsis, multiple-organ failure, and hypercapnea (acidosis) are known to develop neuromuscular abnormalities.<sup>16 Coakley J.H., Nagendra K., Honavar M. , e al. Preliminary observations on the neuromuscular abnormalities in patients with organ failure and sepsis Intensive Care Med 1993 ;  19 : 323-328  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 89 Vianna L.G., Koulouris N., Lanigan C. , e al. Effect of acute hypercapnia on limb muscle contractility in humans J Appl Physiol 1990 ;  69 : 1486-1493

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Muscle wasting, metabolic abnormalities, and neuromyopathic changes can all cause weakness (Table 1).

This article provides the physician with information regarding the present status of the assessment of respiratory muscles in ICU patients. The author reviews the most common abnormalities that can cause muscle weakness—mainly those associated with other medical conditions, such as sepsis, multiorgan failure, mechanical ventilation, and drugs—with special emphasis on the current concept of polyneuropathy of critical illness, myopathy, and prolonged paralysis associated with the use of neuromuscular blocking agents and corticosteroids.