Category: Critical illness

ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a common complication affecting approximately 25–75% of patients who spend prolonged time in the intensive care unit. Understanding which factors are associated with acquired weakness in the ICU is crucial for early prediction and prevention, as this condition can significantly worsen patient outcomes.

According to a study published in the *Journal of Intensive Care*, fluid accumulation is a common phenomenon in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis. This serious health condition includes fluid retention, known as edema, due to the body's overwhelming inflammatory response.

According to a 2022 market survey by Gen Re, cancer, heart attack, and stroke represent over 70% of critical illness claims. Knowing what the big 3 critical illnesses are is the first step toward proactive health and financial planning, helping you protect yourself and your family from unexpected medical events.

While many ICU stays are relatively brief, a small percentage of patients experience significantly longer admissions, impacting a substantial portion of total ICU resources. A patient's duration in intensive care is a complex matter, with the answer to "how long can you spend in ICU?" depending on a multitude of individual factors, not a fixed limit.