Sedation, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockade in critical care: an overview

The practice of critical care medicine has progressed dramatically over the past several decades. With the advent of new pharmacological therapies and technological interventions, our ability to manage a multitude of pathophysiologic conditions has grown. As a consequence of these advances, we have recognized the potential to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with many disease states that were previously irreversible. Associated with new therapeutic and diagnostic interventions are secondary side effects and complications. It is often the undesired sequela of all interventions that forces clinicians to periodically reevaluate to whom, why, how, and when we employ new drugs or procedures.