Intensive Care Unit-acquired Paresis: Risk Factors in Conscious and Cooperative Patients in Intensive Care Units.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of intensive care unitacquired paresis (ICU-AP) and predisposing factors for muscle weakness in our ICU patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a 25-bed ICU of a tertiary hospital. Patients who were cooperated with muscle strength examination, stayed in ICU more than three days and had no preexisting neuromuscular disorder were included in the study. The diagnosis of hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation, comorbidities, length of ICU stay, mobilization level, discharge status, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were recorded. Manual muscle strength test was assessed according to Medical Research Council scale. Handgrip and finger pinch strength values were recorded. Results: Forty-two patients completed muscle strength examination. ICU-AP was determined in 16 (38.09%) patients. Length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation rate, SOFA score and frequency of decubitus ulcers were higher in patients with ICU-AP (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship only between mechanical ventilation and ICU-AP Conclusion: ICU-AP is a common problem in critically ill patients and influences outcomes of patients. Patients without mechanical ventilation may develop ICU-AP and mechanical ventilation can be determined as one of the risk factors for muscle weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]