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Published on: September 24, 2020
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Paralytics, Sedation, and Steroids in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Jennifer Leap1, Jared Hill, Kaushal Patel
1Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
|August 27, 2019
Summary
This review examines the literature on paralytics, sedation, and steroids for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It explores current controversies and provides recommendations for using these critical care agents.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) presents significant management challenges.
- The use of adjunctive therapies like paralytics, sedation, and steroids is common but debated.
- Optimal treatment strategies for ARDS remain an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current literature on paralytics, sedation, and steroids in ARDS.
- To identify and discuss controversies surrounding their use.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of relevant studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and expert consensus guidelines.
- Discussion of pharmacological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Evidence for routine use of paralytics in ARDS is limited, with potential risks.
- Sedation strategies aim to balance patient comfort with potential adverse effects.
- The role of steroids in ARDS is controversial, with varying outcomes based on timing and formulation.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration of risks and benefits is crucial when using paralytics, sedation, and steroids in ARDS.
- Individualized treatment approaches are recommended.
- Further research is needed to clarify optimal use and timing of these agents.
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