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Brachial Plexus Neuropathies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case Series of 15 Patients in Critical Care.
Miller, Caroline; O'Sullivan, Joel; Jeffrey, Jack; Power, Dominic.
  • Miller C; Physiotherapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • O'Sullivan J; School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom.
  • Jeffrey J; Physiotherapy Department, Therapy Services, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, North Suite, Level 1, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK.
  • Power D; Physiotherapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Phys Ther ; 101(1)2021 01 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-883144
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

The use of the prone position to treat patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who are critically ill and mechanically ventilated is well documented. This case series reports the location, severity, and prevalence of focal peripheral nerve injuries involving the upper limb identified in an acute COVID-19 rehabilitation setting. The purpose of this study was to report observations and to explore the challenges in assessing these patients.

METHODS:

Participants were patients with suspected peripheral nerve injuries following discharge from COVID-19 critical care who were referred to the peripheral nerve injury multidisciplinary team. Data were collected retrospectively on what peripheral neuropathies were observed, with reference to relevant investigation findings and proning history.

RESULTS:

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, 256 patients were admitted to COVID-19 critical care of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. From March to June 2020, a total of 114 patients required prone ventilation. In this subgroup, a total of 15 patients were identified with clinical findings of peripheral nerve injuries within the upper limb. In total, 30 anatomical nerve injuries were recorded. The most commonly affected nerve was the ulnar nerve (12/30) followed by the cords of the brachial plexus (10/30). Neuropathic pain and muscle wasting were identified, signifying a high-grade nerve injury.

CONCLUSION:

Peripheral nerve injuries can be associated with prone positioning on intensive care units, although other mechanisms, such as those of a neuroinflammatory nature, cannot be excluded. IMPACT Proning-related upper limb peripheral nerve injuries are not discussed widely in the literature and could be an area of further consideration when critical care units review their proning protocols. Physical therapists treating these patients play a key part in the management of this group of patients by optimizing the positioning of patients during proning, making early identification of peripheral nerve injuries, providing rehabilitation interventions, and referring to specialist services if necessary. LAY

SUMMARY:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients who are very ill can be placed for long periods of time on their stomach to improve their chances of survival. The potential consequences of prolonged time in this position are weakness and pain in the arms due to potential nerve damage. There are some recommended treatments to take care of these problems.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Brachial Plexus / Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Critical Care / Peripheral Nerve Injuries / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ptj

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Brachial Plexus / Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Critical Care / Peripheral Nerve Injuries / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ptj