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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 2/2010

Open Access 01-04-2010 | Research

Electrical muscle stimulation prevents critical illness polyneuromyopathy: a randomized parallel intervention trial

Authors: Christina Routsi, Vasiliki Gerovasili, Ioannis Vasileiadis, Eleftherios Karatzanos, Theodore Pitsolis, Elli Tripodaki, Vasiliki Markaki, Dimitrios Zervakis, Serafim Nanas

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

Critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) is a common complication of critical illness presenting with muscle weakness and is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation and weaning period. No preventive tool and no specific treatment have been proposed so far for CIPNM. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) has been shown to be beneficial in patients with severe chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of EMS in preventing CIPNM in critically ill patients.

Methods

One hundred and forty consecutive critically ill patients with an APACHE II score ≥ 13 were randomly assigned after stratification to the EMS group (n = 68) (age:61 ± 19 years) (APACHE II:18 ± 4, SOFA:9 ± 3) or to the control group (n = 72) (age:58 ± 18 years) (APACHE II:18 ± 5, SOFA:9 ± 3). Patients of the EMS group received daily EMS sessions. CIPNM was diagnosed clinically with the medical research council (MRC) scale for muscle strength (maximum score 60, <48/60 cut off for diagnosis) by two unblinded independent investigators. Duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were recorded.

Results

Fifty two patients could be finally evaluated with MRC; 24 in the EMS group and 28 in the control group. CIPNM was diagnosed in 3 patients in the EMS group as compared to 11 patients in the control group (OR = 0.22; CI: 0.05 to 0.92, P = 0.04). The MRC score was significantly higher in patients of the EMS group as compared to the control group [58 (33 to 60) vs. 52 (2 to 60) respectively, median (range), P = 0.04). The weaning period was statistically significantly shorter in patients of the EMS group vs. the control group [1 (0 to 10) days vs. 3 (0 to 44) days, respectively, median (range), P = 0.003].

Conclusions

This study suggests that daily EMS sessions prevent the development of CIPNM in critically ill patients and also result in shorter duration of weaning. Further studies should evaluate which patients benefit more from EMS and explore the EMS characteristics most appropriate for preventing CIPNM.

Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00882830
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Electrical muscle stimulation prevents critical illness polyneuromyopathy: a randomized parallel intervention trial
Authors
Christina Routsi
Vasiliki Gerovasili
Ioannis Vasileiadis
Eleftherios Karatzanos
Theodore Pitsolis
Elli Tripodaki
Vasiliki Markaki
Dimitrios Zervakis
Serafim Nanas
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 2/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc8987

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