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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 3/2013

Open Access 01-06-2013 | Research

Diaphragm weakness in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

Authors: Gerald S Supinski, Leigh Ann Callahan

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Introduction

Studies indicate that mechanically ventilated patients develop significant diaphragm muscle weakness, but the etiology of weakness and its clinical impact remain incompletely understood. We assessed diaphragm strength in mechanically ventilated medical ICU patients, correlated the development of diaphragm weakness with multiple clinical parameters, and examined the relationship between the level of diaphragm weakness and patient outcomes.

Methods

Transdiaphragmatic twitch pressure (PdiTw) in response to bilateral magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves was measured. Diaphragm weakness was correlated with the presence of infection, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, and glucose levels. The relationship of diaphragm strength to patient outcomes, including mortality and the duration of mechanical ventilation for successfully weaned patients, was also assessed.

Results

We found that infection is a major risk factor for diaphragm weakness in mechanically ventilated medical ICU patients. Outcomes for patients with severe diaphragm weakness (PdiTw <10 cmH2O) were poor, with a markedly increased mortality (49%) compared to patients with PdiTw ≥10 cmH2O (7% mortality, P = 0.022). In addition, survivors with PdiTw <10 cmH2O required a significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation (12.3 ± 1.7 days) than those with PdiTw ≥10 cmH2O (5.5 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Infection is a major cause of severe diaphragm weakness in mechanically ventilated patients. Moreover, diaphragm weakness is an important determinant of poor outcomes in this patient population.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Diaphragm weakness in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients
Authors
Gerald S Supinski
Leigh Ann Callahan
Publication date
01-06-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 3/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc12792

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