Functional outcome in patients with critical illness polyneuropathy

Purpose: To evaluate the functional outcome of intensive care patients with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), 6 and 12 months after the onset. Methods: Design: A prospective observational cohort study and a cross-sectional study. Setting: University hospital in the Netherlands. Patients: Eight consecutive intensive care patients with CIP for the prospective study and eight patients diagnosed with CIP in the past 6 months for the cross-sectional study. Main outcome measures: Functional outcome regarding body functions and structure, activities, participation and perceived quality of life. Results: Nine patients (56%) died within one year. Functional outcome, participation and subjective health status in survivors varied widely at 6 and 12 months. After 12 months, physical functioning was improved in all patients. However activities related to mobility outdoors, autonomy, participation and quality of life were restricted in most patients. Conclusions: The majority of survivors have persistent functional disabilities in activities, reduced quality of life and restrictions in autonomy and participation one year after the onset of CIP. Prolonged rehabilitation treatment is necessary for an increasing number of intensive care patients who develop CIP, in order to reduce handicaps and achieve optimal autonomy and social participation.