Affiliation:
1. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA 01655
Abstract
Within the past 10 years, numerous short-acting anesthetic drugs have been introduced for use in the operating room. This review article will discuss the role of these agents in critically ill patients undergoing bedside procedures. After a brief historical update, the first part of the review will focus on issues related to the pathophysiology and pharmacology of critically ill patients in general, and of specific organ dysfunction in particular. In-appropriate dosing and improper selection of agents will be highlighted. The second part of the article will discuss specific classes of drugs, with reference to their advantages and disadvantages in the ICU population. The article will conclude by emphasizing the potency, safety, and efficacy of these drugs in significantly reducing the pain and suffering experienced by patients with critical illness.
Subject
Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine