Short and long term outcomes of ICU acquired weakness

Introduction: ICU acquired weakness(ICUAW) is a common complication of critical illness presenting with muscle weakness. The aim of the present study was the assessment of muscle strength and functional ability after ICU discharge. Methods: 37 consecutive critically ill patients were evaluated(28M, 9F). ICUAW was diagnosed clinically at ICU discharge with the medical research council (MRC) scale for muscle strength by two independent investigators (cut off <48/60). The patients were evaluated with MRC and Hand‐Grip dynamometry (HG) every 10 days until their discharge from the hospital. The functional ability was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score at ICU discharge and after 8 months in a subgroup of patients.