EMG findings in acute myopathy with status asthmaticus, steroids and paralytics. Clinical and electrophysiologic correlation.

We have reviewed the clinical and electrophysiologic features of eleven mechanically ventilated patients with asthma who developed persistent weakness following treatment with neuromuscular blocking agents and corticosteroids. All patients had electrophysiologic findings consistent with a myopathic process and no evidence of a neuromuscular transmission disorder or generalized neuropathy. Electrophysiologic improvement paralleled clinical improvement. The severity of the initial electrophysiologic findings did not predict the subsequent rate of recovery. All patients showed substantial recovery (to functional independence) over the first month.