Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of intensive care unit-acquired weakness in Latin America: A scoping review protocol

Introduction: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a condition with a substantial impact on morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life. Consolidated evidence on this condition in Latin America remains limited. This gap may be influenced by regional differences in healthcare systems, resource availability, and population characteristics, which restrict a comprehensive understanding of the condition in this context. Objectives: This scoping review aims to describe and map the evidence on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adults hospitalized in intensive care units in Latin America with intensive care unit-acquired weakness. Methods: This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework and will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A search strategy will be applied across the main databases and regional repositories. Studies involving adults hospitalized in intensive care units in Latin American countries that address intensive care unit-acquired weakness will be included. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Extracted data will include study characteristics, demographic and clinical variables, diagnostic approaches, risk factors, and reported strategies for prevention or management. Expected results: This review is expected to provide a comprehensive description of intensive care unit-acquired weakness in Latin America, highlighting reported clinical and epidemiological patterns, methodological heterogeneity, and both geographic and thematic knowledge gaps. The findings will help design context-specific strategies for evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitation, contributing to strengthen future research within the region.