Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

Which of the following is a risk factor for ICU-acquired weakness?

• A. Sepsis
• B. Dehydration unrelated
• C. Sleep deprivation
• D. Healthy diet

Answer: (A)

Sepsis triggers a widespread inflammatory response in critical illness, which drives muscle breakdown, nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment. This catabolic and inflammatory state, especially when combined with prolonged immobilization in the ICU, leads to ICU-acquired weakness, a common complication that can persist after the patient leaves the ICU. Among the options, sepsis is the well-established risk factor because its systemic inflammation directly contributes to both neuropathic and myopathic processes seen in ICU-acquired weakness. Dehydration by itself is not a recognized driver of ICU-acquired weakness, sleep deprivation is not a direct, primary risk factor, and a healthy diet generally supports recovery rather than promoting weakness.

Sepsis triggers a widespread inflammatory response in critical illness, which drives muscle breakdown, nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment. This catabolic and inflammatory state, especially when combined with prolonged immobilization in the ICU, leads to ICU-acquired weakness, a common complication that can persist after the patient leaves the ICU. Among the options, sepsis is the well-established risk factor because its systemic inflammation directly contributes to both neuropathic and myopathic processes seen in ICU-acquired weakness.

Dehydration by itself is not a recognized driver of ICU-acquired weakness, sleep deprivation is not a direct, primary risk factor, and a healthy diet generally supports recovery rather than promoting weakness.