Prolonged length of stay in intensive care units (ICUs) is associated with long-term disability
About 25%–80% of patients admitted to an ICU will have new or worsened physical, cognitive or mental health impairments that persist beyond discharge from the hospital.1,2 In those with a prolonged length of stay, defined as 1 week or longer of mechanical ventilation, patient age and length of stay in an ICU affect motor and cognitive functional dependency at 1 year after discharge from the ICU, independent of the admitting diagnosis and illness severity.3
Physical impairments after critical illness can last for years
Protracted exposure to sedation, paralytics and immobility in the context of severe catabolic illness leads to specific nerve and muscle injury, which together comprise ICU-acquired weakness.2 This affects 25%–50% of patients discharged from the ICU and persists after hospital discharge, lasting more than 24 months in about 10% of cases. Fatigue, joint contractures and peripheral nerve injuries are frequently reported, affecting activities of daily living, including grooming, feeding, bathing and walking.2
Cognitive dysfunction develops in about one-third of patients2
Of similar magnitude to mild dementia or moderate traumatic brain injury, cognitive dysfunction affecting memory, attention, problem solving and execution of complex tasks persists in about one-third of patients 1 year after discharge form the ICU.4
Mental health disorders can develop in both patients and caregivers
Anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder occur in about 25%–35% of patients and 60%–70% of their caregivers.4,5 Although risk factors, such as old age or cognitive impairment have been described, individuals without predisposing conditions are also at risk for long-lasting sequelae.3
Tailored and graduated rehabilitation can help, but recovery may be incomplete
No robust intervention has been shown consistently to improve recovery after prolonged ICU stay.2 A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach that includes rehabilitation specialists, psychiatrists and neurologists may be required and continue after hospital discharge.2
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Footnotes
Competing interests: None declared.
This article has been peer reviewed.
References
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