Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical, electrophysiological and pathological features of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM). Methods The clinical outcomes, electromyogram Results as well as pathological features in nerves and muscles of 3 patients with CIPNM were investigated and analyzed. Results 3 patients were all provided with assisted respiration after tracheal intubation. 7～10 d after intubation, all the patients emerged muscle strength and tendon reflexes of extremities weakening; while 14 days after that, 2 patients appeared amyotrophy of extremities. Electromyogram showed that the conduction of many motor and sensory nerves for extremities decreased, while the amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of part of motor nerves decreased. Biopsy for nerves revealed decreased medullated nerve fibers and regeneration phenomenon of auxiliary fibers; while that for muscles showed neuralgic damage and myopathy-like changes. Conclusion CIPNM can complicate after tracheal intubation. The electrophysiological and pathological examinations for nerves and muscles can be helpful for the diagnosis.

Key words: critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM), electrophysiology, pathology, diagnosis