Abstract
We studied two patients who were given high-dose intravenous steroid therapy and were intubated for status asthmaticus. Both became quadriplegic and wasted within 2 weeks. EMG had myopathic abnormalities. Muscle biopsy revealed severe atrophy of most muscle fibers, with disorganization of myofibrils and selective loss of thick (myosin) filaments. Immunohistologic stains for myosin isoforms confirmed the decrease or absence of this protein. Both patients clinically improved over several months.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Adolescent
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
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Female
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Middle Aged
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Muscular Diseases / chemically induced*
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Muscular Diseases / pathology
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Muscular Diseases / physiopathology
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Neural Conduction / physiology
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Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / adverse effects*
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Quadriplegia / chemically induced*
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Quadriplegia / pathology
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Quadriplegia / physiopathology
Substances
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones
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Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents