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Europa Medicophysica 1998 June;34(2):103-6

Copyright © 1998 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Diagnosis and rehabilitation of Critical Illness Polyneuropathy. A case report

Procicchiani D. ¹, Motti L. ², Marcello N. ², Bianchini D. ¹

¹ Recovery and Functional Rehabilitation Division; ² Division of Neurology, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - Reggio Emilia, Italy

Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP) is a distinct form of polyneuropathy that consists of an axonal degeneration of the motor and sensory fibres with an acute onset of septicemia and multiple organ failure (Critical Illness). On admission to the rehabilitation unit, the patient (C.G.) presented with a severe peripheral sensory and motor deficit in the upper and lower limbs. She was dependent in self-care, sphincter control, transfers and locamotion. Her cognitive functions were preserved. Motor FIM was 13, cognitive FIM was 35. She was placed on a rehabilitation programme for 10 months. At discharge, her impairments were markedly reduced, motor FIM was 46. Careful clinical examination bolstered by neurophysiological data is helpful in making a prompt diagnosis of CIP and in planning an appropriate rehabilitation programme. Prompt and intensive rehabilitation treatment appears to lead to favourable outcomes. However, long costly hospital stays may still be unavoidable.