| Objective: To study the effect of the external diaphragm pacer (EDP) on intensive care unit acquired weakness ( ICU AW) with diaphragmatic muscle function. Methods: Sixty one patients with ICU AW in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were randomly divided into control group (n=20), treatment group A (n=21) and treatment group B (n=20). Three groups were given basic treatment, basic treatment + early cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, basic treatment + early cardiopulmonary rehabilitation + EDP, respectively. Diaphragm mobility, diaphragm thickness, maximal inspiratory pressure, Barthel index, and length of stay in ICU were measured and recorded after 2 weeks. Results: After the treatment for 2 weeks, the diaphragm mobility and MIP in the three groups were significantly increased as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The diaphragm mobility was compared within the group, and the results showed that group A> group B> control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the control group and the treatment group A (P=0.362). The difference between group B and control group or group A was statistically significant (P<0.01). Diaphragm thickness and Barthel index showed an order of group B > group A > control group. The length of stay in ICU was shortest in group B, followed by group A, and longest in control group. Conclusion: EDP can effectively increase the diaphragmatic muscle strength and endurance of ICU-AW patients, improve the ventilation function of patients, improve the ability of daily life activities and quality of life, and shorten the length of ICU hospitalization. |
