The pathophysiology of long-term neuromuscular and cognitive outcomes following critical illness

Despite the recent and marked improvement in short-term mortality after critical illness, significant morbidities persist for many patients following hospital discharge. This article discusses the risk factors for muscle, nerve, and brain dysfunction after critical illness and preliminary basic science data to support possible pathophysiologic mechanisms mediating this disability. Additionally, it presents a roadmap outlining future directions in this area of research.