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Sekhniashvili M, Baum P, Toyka KV. Temporary and highly variable recovery of neuromuscular dysfunction by electrical stimulation in the follow-up of acute critical illness neuromyopathy: a pilot study. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:66. [PMID: 38151742 PMCID: PMC10753844 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-023-00293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sepsis-associated critical illness neuromyopathy (CIPNM) serial electrical stimulation of motor nerves induces a short-lived temporary recovery of compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) termed facilitation phenomenon (FP). This technique is different from other stimulation techniques published. The identification of FP suggests a major functional component in acute CIPNM. METHODS From our previous study cohort of 18 intensive care unit patients with sepsis associated CIPNM showing profound muscle weakness and low or missing CMAPs on nerve conduction studies, six patients with different severity could be followed. In a pilot sub-study we analyzed the variability of FP during follow up. Over up to 6 weeks we performed 2-6 nerve conduction studies with our novel stimulation paradigm. Motor nerves were stimulated at 0.2-0.5 Hz with 60-100 mA at 0.2-0.5 ms duration, and CMAP responses were recorded. Standard motor nerve conduction velocities (NCV) could be done when utilizing facilitated CMAPs. Needle electromyography was checked once for spontaneous activity to discover potential denervation and muscle fiber degeneration. Serum electrolytes were checked before any examination and corrected if abnormal. RESULTS In all six patients a striking variability in the magnitude and pattern of FP could be observed at each examination in the same and in different motor nerves over time. With the first stimulus most CMAPs were below 0.1 mV or absent. With slow serial pulses CMAPs could gradually recover with normal shape and near normal amplitudes. With facilitated CMAPs NCV measurements revealed low normal values. With improvement of muscle weakness subsequent tests revealed larger first CMAP amplitudes and smaller magnitudes of FP. Needle EMG showed occasional spontaneous activity in the tibialis anterior muscle. CONCLUSION In this pilot study striking variability and magnitude of FP during follow-up was a reproducible feature indicating major fluctuations of neuromuscular excitability that may improve during follow-up. FP can be assessed by generally available electrophysiological techniques, even before patients could be tested for muscle strength. Large scale prospective studies of the facilitation phenomenon in CIPNM with or without sepsis are needed to define diagnostic specificity and to better understand the still enigmatic pathophysiology. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered at the Leipzig University Medical Center in 2021 after approval by the Ethics Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madona Sekhniashvili
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Neurology of S. Khechinashvili University Clinic, Tbilisi State Medical University, Chavchavadze Ave. 33, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Petra Baum
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus V Toyka
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Josef Schneider Str.11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Klawitter F, Walter U, Axer H, Ehler J. [Intensive care unit-acquired weakness-Diagnostic value of neuromuscular ultrasound]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2023; 72:543-554. [PMID: 37310449 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-023-01300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is one of the most common neuromuscular complications in intensive care medicine. The clinical diagnosis and assessment of the severity using established diagnostic methods (e.g., clinical examination using the Medical Research Council Sum Score or electrophysiological examination) can be difficult or even impossible, especially in sedated, ventilated and delirious patients. Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) has increasingly been investigated in ICUAW as an easy to use noninvasive and mostly patient compliance-independent diagnostic alternative. It has been shown that NMUS appears to be a promising tool to detect ICUAW, to assess the severity of muscular weakness and to monitor the clinical progression. Further studies are needed to standardize the methodology, to evaluate the training effort and to optimize outcome predication. The formulation of an interdisciplinary neurological and anesthesiological training curriculum is warranted to establish NMUS as a complementary diagnostic method of ICUAW in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Klawitter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Uwe Walter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Hubertus Axer
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Johannes Ehler
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland.
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Klawitter F, Walter U, Axer H, Patejdl R, Ehler J. Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness: Current State and Future Directions. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050844. [PMID: 37241077 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is one of the most common causes of muscle atrophy and functional disability in critically ill intensive care patients. Clinical examination, manual muscle strength testing and monitoring are frequently hampered by sedation, delirium and cognitive impairment. Many different attempts have been made to evaluate alternative compliance-independent methods, such as muscle biopsies, nerve conduction studies, electromyography and serum biomarkers. However, they are invasive, time-consuming and often require special expertise to perform, making them vastly impractical for daily intensive care medicine. Ultrasound is a broadly accepted, non-invasive, bedside-accessible diagnostic tool and well established in various clinical applications. Hereby, neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS), in particular, has been proven to be of significant diagnostic value in many different neuromuscular diseases. In ICUAW, NMUS has been shown to detect and monitor alterations of muscles and nerves, and might help to predict patient outcome. This narrative review is focused on the recent scientific literature investigating NMUS in ICUAW and highlights the current state and future opportunities of this promising diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Klawitter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 35, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Walter
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hubertus Axer
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Robert Patejdl
- Department of Medicine, Health and Medical University Erfurt, 99089 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Johannes Ehler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Rehmann R, Enax-Krumova E, Meyer-Frießem CH, Schlaffke L. Quantitative muscle MRI displays clinically relevant myostructural abnormalities in long-term ICU-survivors: a case-control study. BMC Med Imaging 2023; 23:38. [PMID: 36934222 PMCID: PMC10024415 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-00995-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term data on ICU-survivors reveal persisting sequalae and a reduced quality-of-life even after years. Major complaints are neuromuscular dysfunction due to Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW). Quantitative MRI (qMRI) protocols can quantify muscle alterations in contrast to standard qualitative MRI-protocols. METHODS Using qMRI, the aim of this study was to analyse persisting myostructural abnormalities in former ICU patients compared to controls and relate them to clinical assessments. The study was conducted as a cohort/case-control study. Nine former ICU-patients and matched controls were recruited (7 males; 54.8y ± 16.9; controls: 54.3y ± 11.1). MRI scans were performed on a 3T-MRI including a mDTI, T2 mapping and a mDixonquant sequence. Water T2 times, fat-fraction and mean values of the eigenvalue (λ1), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were obtained for six thigh and seven calf muscles bilaterally. Clinical assessment included strength testing, electrophysiologic studies and a questionnaire on quality-of-life (QoL). Study groups were compared using a multivariate general linear model. qMRI parameters were correlated to clinical assessments and QoL questionnaire using Pearson´s correlation. RESULTS qMRI parameters were significantly higher in the patients for fat-fraction (p < 0.001), water T2 time (p < 0.001), FA (p = 0.047), MD (p < 0.001) and RD (p < 0.001). Thighs and calves showed a different pattern with significantly higher water T2 times only in the calves. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation of muscle strength (MRC sum score) with FA and T2-time. The results were related to impairment seen in QoL-questionnaires, clinical testing and electrophysiologic studies. CONCLUSION qMRI parameters show chronic next to active muscle degeneration in ICU survivors even years after ICU therapy with ongoing clinical relevance. Therefore, qMRI opens new doors to characterize and monitor muscle changes of patients with ICUAW. Further, better understanding on the underlying mechanisms of the persisting complaints could contribute the development of personalized rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rehmann
- Department of Neurology, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-La-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - E Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-La-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - C H Meyer-Frießem
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - L Schlaffke
- Department of Neurology, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-La-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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A Global Survey on Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Preventive Strategies in Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58081068. [PMID: 36013535 PMCID: PMC9416039 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is one of the most frequent neuromuscular complications in critically ill patients. We conducted a global survey to evaluate the current practices of diagnostics, treatment and prevention in patients with ICU-AW. Materials and Methods: A pre-survey was created with international experts. After revision, the final survey was endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) using the online platform SurveyMonkey®. In 27 items, we addressed strategies of diagnostics, therapy and prevention. An invitation link was sent by email to all ESICM members. Furthermore, the survey was available on the ESICM homepage. Results: A total of 154 healthcare professionals from 39 countries participated in the survey. An ICU-AW screening protocol was used by 20% (28/140) of participants. Forty-four percent (62/141) of all participants reported performing routine screening for ICU-AW, using clinical examination as the method of choice (124/141, 87.9%). Almost 63% (84/134) of the participants reported using current treatment strategies for patients with ICU-AW. The use of treatment and prevention strategies differed between intensivists and non-intensivists regarding the reduction in sedatives (80.0% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.002), neuromuscular blocking agents (76.4% vs. 50%, p = 0.004), corticosteroids (69.1% vs. 37.2%, p < 0.001) and glycemic control regimes (50.9% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.002). Mobilization and physical activity are the most frequently reported treatment strategies for ICU-AW (111/134, 82.9%). The availability of physiotherapists (92/134, 68.7%) and the lack of knowledge about ICU-AW within the medical team (83/134, 61.9%) were the main obstacles to the implementation of the strategies. The necessity to develop guidelines for the screening, diagnosing, treatment and prevention of ICU-AW was recognized by 95% (127/133) of participants. Conclusions: A great heterogeneity regarding diagnostics, treatment and prevention of ICU-AW was reported internationally. Comprehensive guidelines with evidence-based recommendations for ICU-AW management are needed.
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Sekhniashvili M, Bodechtel U, Toyka KV, Baum P. Temporary reversal of nerve and muscle dysfunction by serial electrical stimulation in critical illness neuromyopathy. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 142:244-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.07.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nerve Echogenicity in Polyneuropathies of Various Etiologies-Results of a Retrospective Semi-Automatic Analysis of High-Resolution Ultrasound Images. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061341. [PMID: 35741151 PMCID: PMC9221766 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Echogenicity of peripheral nerves in high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) provides insight into the structural damage of peripheral nerves in various polyneuropathies. The aim of this study was to compare nerve echogenicity in different primarily axonal or demyelinating polyneuropathies to examine the significance of this parameter. Performing semi-automated echogenicity analysis and applying Image J, we retrospectively used HRUS images of 19 patients with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), and 27 patients with chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIN) and compared them to 20 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The fraction of black representing echogenicity was measured after converting the images into black and white. The nerves of patients with progressive CIDP significantly differed from the hyperechogenic nerves of patients with other polyneuropathies at the following sites: the median nerve at the forearm (p < 0.001), the median nerve at the upper arm (p < 0.004), and the ulnar nerve at the upper arm (p < 0.001). The other polyneuropathies showed no notable differences. Altogether, the comparison of echogenicity between different polyneuropathies supports the assumption that there are differences depending on the genesis of the structural nerve damage. However, these differences are slight, and cannot be used to show clear differences between each polyneuropathy form.
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Patejdl R, Klawitter F, Walter U, Zanaty K, Schwandner F, Sellmann T, Porath K, Ehler J. A novel ex vivo model for critical illness neuromyopathy using freshly resected human colon smooth muscle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24249. [PMID: 34930954 PMCID: PMC8688412 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients suffering from critical illness are at risk to develop critical illness neuromyopathy (CINM). The underlying pathophysiology is complex and controversial. A central question is whether soluble serum factors are involved in the pathogenesis of CINM. In this study, smooth muscle preparations obtained from the colon of patients undergoing elective surgery were used to investigate the effects of serum from critically ill patients. At the time of blood draw, CINM was assessed by clinical rating and electrophysiology. Muscle strips were incubated with serum of healthy controls or patients in organ baths and isometric force was measured. Fifteen samples from healthy controls and 98 from patients were studied. Ratios of responses to electric field stimulation (EFS) before and after incubation were 118% for serum from controls and 51% and 62% with serum from critically ill patients obtained at day 3 and 10 of critical illness, respectively (p = 0.003, One-Way-ANOVA). Responses to carbachol and high-K+ were equal between these groups. Ratios of post/pre-EFS responses correlated with less severe CINM. These results support the existence of pathogenic, i.e. neurotoxic factors in the serum of critically ill patients. Using human colon smooth muscle as a bioassay may facilitate their future molecular identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Patejdl
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Felix Klawitter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Walter
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Karim Zanaty
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Frank Schwandner
- Department of General, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Tina Sellmann
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Katrin Porath
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Johannes Ehler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Manganotti P, Buoite Stella A, Ajcevic M, di Girolamo FG, Biolo G, Franchi MV, Monti E, Sirago G, Marusic U, Simunic B, Narici MV, Pisot R. Peripheral nerve adaptations to 10 days of horizontal bed rest in healthy young adult males. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R495-R503. [PMID: 34318712 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00146.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Space analogs, such as bed rest, are used to reproduce microgravity-induced morphological and physiological changes and can be used as clinical models of prolonged inactivity. Nevertheless, nonuniform decreases in muscle mass and function have been frequently reported, and peripheral nerve adaptations have been poorly studied, although some of these mechanisms may be explained. Ten young healthy males (18-33 yr) underwent 10 days of horizontal bed rest. Peripheral neurophysiological assessments were performed bilaterally for the dominant (DL) and nondominant upper and lower limbs (N-DL) on the 1st and 10th day of bed rest, including ultrasound of the median, deep peroneal nerve (DPN), and common fibular nerve (CFN) , as well as a complete nerve conduction study (NCS) of the upper and lower limbs. Consistently, reduced F waves, suggesting peripheral nerve dysfunction, of both the peroneal (DL: P = 0.005, N-DL: P = 0.013) and tibial nerves (DL: P = 0.037, N-DL: P = 0.005) were found bilaterally, whereas no changes were observed in nerve ultrasound or other parameters of the NCS of both the upper and lower limbs. In these young healthy males, only the F waves, known to respond to postural changes, were significantly affected by short-term bed rest. These preliminary results suggest that during simulated microgravity, most changes occur at the muscle or central nervous system level. Since the assessment of F waves is common in clinical neurophysiological examinations, caution should be used when testing individuals after prolonged immobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Manganotti
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Trieste, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alex Buoite Stella
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Trieste, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Milos Ajcevic
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Trieste, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Giorgio di Girolamo
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianni Biolo
- Clinica Medica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martino V Franchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Monti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sirago
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Uros Marusic
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia.,Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea - European Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Simunic
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Marco V Narici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Rado Pisot
- Science and Research Center Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
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