A growing number of patients are being discharged from intensive care units, cured of the illness that sent them there, but facing a new illness — ICU-acquired weakness.
A story on sciencedaily.com described the condition, pointing out that ICU patients are known to lose muscle mass and function for many reasons, ranging from prolonged immobilization to the effects of ICU treatments such as mechanical ventilation.
A new study found that some patients who continue to suffer from, weakness six months after discharge demonstrate persistent muscle wasting. Many remained weak even after muscles grew to normal size again.
The condition can interfere with the ability to bathe, feed, toilet and dress oneself, the story said.
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