The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of patients with critical
illness polyneuropathy (CIP). Twenty-six patients with CIP were studied to
determine the clinical and electrophysiological profile 13-24 months after
the onset of CIP. Seven patients refused to participate in the study; 6 pa
tients died within the Ist year. Eleven of the 13 survivors showed clinical
evidence of polyneuropathy. Five of these patients also had mononeuropathi
es, including peroneal and ulnar nerves. The quality of life was markedly i
mpaired in all patients. Nerve conduction studies, including limb motor and
sensory nerve conductions, bilateral phrenic nerve onset latencies, and bi
lateral diaphragmatic compound muscle action potentials, were abnormal in a
ll patients. Incomplete recovery within 1-2 years after the onset of diseas
e occurs frequently in patients with CIP. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.