Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness Associated With Acute Severe Asthma.

CONTEXT: Neuromuscular complications in the intensive care unit (ICU) are frequent, multifactorial, and clinically difficult to recognize during their acute phase. The physical examination is the starting point for identification.

CASE REPORT: We present a patient with a history of poorly controlled asthma who was admitted to the ICU with status asthmaticus. After 4 days of being under ventilatory support, he developed muscle weakness. The diagnostic approach made it possible to establish myopathic and neurological compromise through electrophysiology studies.

CONCLUSIONS

ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) can bring long-term consequences, early identification, and management, as well as preventive measures, are essential to minimize chronic disability and morbidity.