TABLE II.

Comparison of Clinical Features of Critical Illness Polyneuropathy/Myopathy (CIPN/CIM) Versus Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Clinical feature	CIPN/CIM	GBS
Time of onset	1–2 weeks (CIPN), several days (CIM)	5–21 days
Pattern of weakness	Flaccid limb weakness may lead to respiratory muscle failure	Flaccid limb weakness may lead to respiratory muscle failure
Reflexes	Decreased bilaterally	Decreased bilaterally
Cerebrospinal fluid findings	Usually normal	Cytoalbuminologic dissociation
Electromyography/Nerve conduction study findings	Reduction in amplitude of muscle or nerve action potentials with preserved conduction velocity	Decreased conduction velocity
Treatment	Treat underlying critical illness, supportive treatment	Intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange with supportive therapy