Which statement best describes critical illness polyneuropathy?

Which statement best describes critical illness polyneuropathy?

• A. Syndrome of diffuse, symmetric, flaccid muscle weakness occurring in critically ill patients that involves all extremities and the diaphragm, with relative sparing of the cranial nerves.
• B. Localized, ascending motor weakness limited to the limbs.
• C. Acute sensory neuropathy with preserved motor function.
• D. Weakness restricted to facial muscles

Answer: (A)

Critical illness polyneuropathy is a diffuse, axonal polyneuropathy that develops in severely ill, often ventilated patients. It presents with diffuse, symmetric, flaccid weakness of the limb muscles that typically involves all four extremities and can impair the diaphragm, making weaning from the ventilator difficult. Cranial nerves are relatively spared, so early facial weakness is not prominent. Deep tendon reflexes are diminished or absent, and sensory symptoms can occur but are not the dominant feature. Nerve conduction studies usually show reduced motor amplitudes with preserved conduction velocity, reflecting axonal injury. This description fits the statement: a diffuse, symmetric, flaccid weakness involving all extremities and the diaphragm in critical illness, with relative sparing of the cranial nerves. The other options describe localized or sensory-predominant patterns or facial-only weakness, which do not match CIP.

Critical illness polyneuropathy is a diffuse, axonal polyneuropathy that develops in severely ill, often ventilated patients. It presents with diffuse, symmetric, flaccid weakness of the limb muscles that typically involves all four extremities and can impair the diaphragm, making weaning from the ventilator difficult. Cranial nerves are relatively spared, so early facial weakness is not prominent. Deep tendon reflexes are diminished or absent, and sensory symptoms can occur but are not the dominant feature. Nerve conduction studies usually show reduced motor amplitudes with preserved conduction velocity, reflecting axonal injury.

This description fits the statement: a diffuse, symmetric, flaccid weakness involving all extremities and the diaphragm in critical illness, with relative sparing of the cranial nerves. The other options describe localized or sensory-predominant patterns or facial-only weakness, which do not match CIP.