title: Steroids and biologic agents in the intensive care unit.
abstract: We have reviewed the actions, indications, and toxicity of steroids and several important biologic pharmaceutical agents used in critical care medicine. This is a rapidly expanding area of therapeutics. Space limitations prevent an exhaustive review of all biologic pharmaceuticals, such as tissue plasminogen activating substance, hormones (e.g., thyroid, insulin, growth hormone, erythropoietin), clotting factors, and blood products. The future of biologic pharmaceuticals appears to be bright in the face of new biotechnology, and the critical care physician can anticipate new and exciting treatments to evolve from current basic and clinical research into biologic agents.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, School of Medicine, Sacramento.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Albertson
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D016207:Cytokines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000009:adverse effects; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D013256:Steroids