Early diagnosis of ICU acquired weakness in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit

ICU acquired weakness is commonly seen in patients who are admitted to the ICU. It is associated with prolonged ICU stay or patients on mechanical ventilation for a longer duration. This lead to poor progression of the patient. A routine assessment for muscle strength is not done in an intensive care unit. Hence the early diagnosis of ICU acquired weakness is often missed and the chances of complications increase. Assessing muscle strength in a regular routine may help to determine the plan of treatment at the beginning if muscle weakness is acquired. This may help to guide further interventions for ICU acquired weakness. Patients will be screened according to the selection criteria. MRC sum score will be performed on these patients. There are six group of muscles that will be tested on both sides. Score will be given from one to five depending upon the grading of the scale. A score less than forty eight will be considered to be cut off for ICU acquired weakness. Muscle strength assessment will be carried out daily till the patient develops weakness or is discharged or is discharged against medical advice. The score will be noted in the data collection sheet. Data will be analyzed at the end of the study period.