Project start date: 01-Apr-2026 Project end date: 31-Mar-2028

Prospective and retrospective study of clinical features and outcomes of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy in children and young people

Case Definitions: Patients with a probable or definite diagnosis of CIP, CIM, or combined CIP and CIM from 1 month to 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis will be included. The diagnosis of CIP, CIM, or combined CIP and CIM relies on clinical features, electrophysiological, and muscle biopsy characteristics.

Age range for cases: 1 month -18 years

Investigators and Contact Details:

Principle investigator:
Name: Sithara Ramdas
Job title: Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Email: sithara.ramdas@ouh.nhs.uk
Affiliation: John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Address: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU
Contribution: Chief investigator

Other investigator:
Name: Martin Smith
Job title: Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Email: martin.smith1@ouh.nhs.uk
Affiliation: John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Address: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU
Contribution: Study concept, design and delivery

Other investigator:
Name: Avishay Sarfatti
Job title: Consultant Paediatric Intensivist
Email: Avishay.Sarfatti@ouh.nhs.uk
Affiliation: John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Address: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU
Contribution: Study design and data collection

Other investigator:
Name: Jacquie Deeb
Job title: Consultant in Clinical Neurophysiology
Email: jacquie.deeb@nhs.net
Affiliation: Department of Neurophysiology, Queen's Hospital, Romford
Address: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU
Contribution: Study design

Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged one month to 18 years admitted to paediatric intensive care during the study period or within the previous 5 years.
• Patients fulfil the diagnostic criteria for probable or definite CIP and/or CIM as per protocol
• Participant, or parent(s)/ legal representative as appropriate, is willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria: Patients with alternative cause for critical care-related muscle weakness.
• Patients with a preceding history of suspected or confirmed neuromuscular disorder

Additional Information: Expected numbers (per year): 10-15 Source of denominator data: Based on clinical experience of the study team and discussion with colleagues

Type of study: Surveillance study

Funding Funding arrangements: The Norman Collisson Foundation - 0.02WTE G7
Project Manager for length of project, 0.01WTE G7 Quality Manager for 3 months

Organisational arrangements:
Day-to-day administration: Dr Gayathri Narendran (Neurology grid trainee) & Louise Pollard (Study co-ordinator)
Scientific management of the study: The study investigators
Responding to clinical questions: Dr Sithara Ramdas & Dr Martin Smith
Collating and analysing results: Dr Sithara Ramdas & Dr Martin Smith

Outcomes: The primary objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the motor outcomes in children and young people affected by critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy. It further aims to explore the clinical characteristics, underlying risk factors, and outcomes associated with CIP/CIM. The findings of this study will provide clinicians with evidence-based insights into this rare and complex disorder, enabling them to offer more informed guidance to patients and their families.