[Neuropathies of septic syndrome with multiple organ failure in burnt patients: 2 cases with review of the literature].

We report two cases of axonal sensori-motor polyneuropathies complicating sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF) among severely burned patients (total burned surface area of 35 to 40 per cent) in which no other cause of neuropathy was retrospectively identified. No steroids or neuromuscular blocking agents had been given. The date of onset was not established but the diagnosis was late, between the 30th and 45th day, at the recovery of consciousness. Regression was incomplete, with severe sequellae especially in one patient who was unable to walk 10 months after the injury. Burned patients can present with many kinds of peripheral neuropathies. Postburn polyneuropathies with nerve conduction slowing were described by Henderson. Mononeuropathies can result from nerve compression complicating unfavorable postures in comatose patients or from nerve entrapment in ischemic limbs. Polyneuropathy in postburn sepsis with MOF does not appear to have been previously reported. Postburn sepsis usually occurs in young patients, without other cause of MOF; and therefore represents a relatively "pure" sepsis syndrome.