Abstract
Rationale: Myalgia and weakness are complications in H1N1 Influenza severe pneumonia (H1N1 ISP). Myopathy and polyneuropathy has been described only in Influenza B. Muscle damage in H1N1 ISP, has not been studied yet.
Objetive: To evaluate physiological, morphological and metabolic characteristics in muscle biopsies from patients with severe muscular weakness after a H1N1 ISP
Case report: After signed consent form 14 subjects with H1N1 ISP and muscular weakness were enrolled. Bilateral muscular strength (biceps and Quadriceps measured by electronic manometer) and electromyography and muscle biopsy (3-5 days after extubation) were performed.
Results:
Conclusions: All patients with H1N1 ISP presented metabolic and physiological muscular alterations compatible with myopathy or myopathy/neuropathy. This findings explain the severe muscle symptoms and the low recovering even after discharge. An early physical rehabilitation program must be recommended.
- © 2011 ERS