Long-Term Consequences of Critical Illness

The document from 2015 details the extensive and long-lasting effects of critical illness on patients, including a wide array of physical and psychological issues that persist long after hospital discharge. It notes that recovery to pre-illness levels of function can take months to years, with many patients experiencing a significantly lower quality of life even at 12 months post-illness, and less than half of ARDS patients returning to work within a year. Common long-term problems include cognitive deficits comparable to mild Alzheimer's in 24% of patients at 12 months, laryngeal pathology, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, gastrointestinal weight loss, sexual dysfunction, neurological issues like critical illness polyneuropathy, musculoskeletal issues, dermatological problems including hair loss, and psychological difficulties such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The document stresses the importance of early, individualized multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs and specialized follow-up clinics to manage these issues. It also highlights the socioeconomic impact on patients and their families, the need for careful medication management post-discharge, and the potential for quality of life to decline after 2.5 to 5 years. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of vigilant care for these patients to ensure their complex needs are met and that they receive appropriate specialist referrals.