Reply to the letter to editor regarding “an unusual case of critical illness polyneuromyopathy”

Abstract

Critical illness myopathy (CIM), critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), and critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) are the group of disorders that are commonly presented as neuromuscular weakness in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. They are responsible for prolonged ICU stay and failure to wean off from mechanical ventilation.1 We report one such case of young female who was admitted with undiagnosed type I diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis with severe hypokalemia with sepsis developed acute-onset quadriplegia and diaphragmatic palsy within 72 hours of ICU admission. Detailed investigation led to the diagnosis of critical illness polyneuromyopathy. In view of high morbidity, mortality, and poor prognosis, a guided approach to diagnoses and treatment in earliest possible duration might give better improvement and outcome of the illness. Despite all the odds, our patient showed good clinical improvement and finally got discharged.