Topical Review: Neuromuscular Complications of Sepsis in Children

Abstract

Sepsis occurs frequently in the pediatric intensive care unit and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple organ systems are adversely affected by sepsis. Approximately 70% of adult patients with sepsis have peripheral nervous system dysfunction on electrophysiologic studies, of whom 30% are symptomatic. Neuromuscular dysfunction in children with sepsis is increasingly reported; however, the incidence remains undefined. Flaccid quadriplegia with the inability to wean from ventilatory support despite full cardiopulmonary recovery is the typical presentation. However, lesser degrees of weakness may be demonstrated with careful evaluation. Electrophysiologic studies often demonstrate the presence of axonal polyneuropathies, abnormalities of neuromuscular transmission, or acute myopathies. Identifiable neuromuscular syndromes in children with sepsis include critical illness polyneuropathy, pure motor polyneuropathy, thick-filament myopathy, and necrotizing myopathy. The common underlying pathogenic process in these syndromes appears to be sepsis, which may be accentuated by the administration of steroids or neuromuscular blocking agents. Recovery in strength usually occurs over a period of weeks to months. (J Child Neurol 1995;10:346-352).