Critical illness polyneuropathy: a summary of the literature on rehabilitation outcome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the available literature on outcome of critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and to identify rehabilitation problems.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: A literature search in electronic databases. Primary articles on outcome in CIP using the classification of ICIDH or Quality of Life were enrolled in this study. Because of the types of study design, the lack of information regarding validity and the variability, a quantitative analysis was not possible. Instead, the overall results were evaluated in a qualitative approach.

RESULTS: In the literature minimal attention was given to the rehabilitation aspects and long-term outcome of patients with CIP. Outcome measures were mainly used on the level of impairments and in lesser extent on the level of disabilities. One year after the onset of CIP, muscle weakness and decreased sensory function were frequently observed. Reported functional disabilities were dependency in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and walking disabilities.

CONCLUSION: The specific course and long-term outcome of CIP remains unclear. Research on the course and long-term functional outcome in CIP is necessary in order to identify rehabilitation problems and to formulate treatment strategies specifically directed towards the outcome of CIP.