title: Pharmacology of neuromuscular blocking agents in the intensive care unit.
abstract: In critically ill patients, organ function, blood flow, and caregiving personnel change constantly. The risks inherent in paralyzing a patient, such as those of positioning (nerve injuries, stasis injuries) and ventilator disconnection are compounded by the duration of paralysis in the ICU. When used with attention to the pharmacologic properties, patient organ function, and cost, however, muscle relaxants are a useful adjunct to ICU management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Hanson
mesh_terms: D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000187:drug effects; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents