Abstract
The immune system is a sophisticated and complex system that is influenced by various exogenous insults such as surgical stress and endogenous factors like the sympathetic nervous system. It has been demonstrated that sedative agents used in clinical practice alter the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These effects may be reversible following short exposure to anaesthetic agents and sedative drugs. However, many critically ill patients are sedated for prolonged periods of time, which raises concerns about the risks of immunological interference by sedative agents. When one considers that sepsis accounts for significant morbidity in intensive care, it is imperative that anything modifiable which causes immunosuppression is identified. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome is known to feature an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators, something which could be influenced by sedative agents.
We propose to outline the details surrounding this area, focusing on sedative agents commonly used in the intensive care setting. A more detailed understanding of this area could lead to improved patient outcomes and have far-reaching influence on clinical practice in critical care.
Keywords: Critical care, sedation, immunosuppression, immunomodulation
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: The Immunological Side-Effects of Sedative Agents in the Intensive Care Unit
Volume: 9 Issue: 3
Author(s): A. Walsh and K. Ghori
Affiliation:
Keywords: Critical care, sedation, immunosuppression, immunomodulation
Abstract: The immune system is a sophisticated and complex system that is influenced by various exogenous insults such as surgical stress and endogenous factors like the sympathetic nervous system. It has been demonstrated that sedative agents used in clinical practice alter the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These effects may be reversible following short exposure to anaesthetic agents and sedative drugs. However, many critically ill patients are sedated for prolonged periods of time, which raises concerns about the risks of immunological interference by sedative agents. When one considers that sepsis accounts for significant morbidity in intensive care, it is imperative that anything modifiable which causes immunosuppression is identified. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome is known to feature an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators, something which could be influenced by sedative agents.
We propose to outline the details surrounding this area, focusing on sedative agents commonly used in the intensive care setting. A more detailed understanding of this area could lead to improved patient outcomes and have far-reaching influence on clinical practice in critical care.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Walsh A. and Ghori K., The Immunological Side-Effects of Sedative Agents in the Intensive Care Unit, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2010; 9 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871523011009030229
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871523011009030229 |
Print ISSN 1871-5230 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-614X |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Role of Microglia in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Short Radius Centrifuges – A New Approach for Life Science Experiments Under Hyper-g Conditions for Applications in Space and Beyond
Recent Patents on Space Technology Blood Platelet Reactivity and its Pharmacological Modulation in (People with) Diabetes Mellitus
Current Pharmaceutical Design Antineoplastic Activity of Monocrotaline Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Urokinase Receptor System, A Key Regulator at the Intersection between Inflammation, Immunity, and Coagulation
Current Pharmaceutical Design Triphala in Prevention of Dental Caries and as an Antimicrobial in Oral Cavity- A Review
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets Should STEMI Patients Receive Opiate Analgesia? The Morphine Paradox
Current Vascular Pharmacology Evaluation of Pharmacological Treatment Strategies in Traumatic Brain Injury
Current Pharmaceutical Design Angiogenic Growth Factors in the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology Quick-Release Bromocriptine for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Current Drug Delivery Oleic Acid in Olive Oil: From a Metabolic Framework Toward a Clinical Perspective
Current Pharmaceutical Design Fluoroquinolones, the Cornerstone of Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Approach
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cerebral Artery Signal Transduction Mechanisms: Developmental Changes in Dynamics and Ca<sup>2+</sup> Sensitivity
Current Vascular Pharmacology Hairy Roots, their Multiple Applications and Recent Patents
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Indications for Adult and Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Gadolinium-Enhanced Cisternography and Myelography: Experience and Review of the Literature
Current Medical Imaging Update on Anti-TNF-Alpha Treatment in Rheumatic Diseases
Current Drug Therapy Studies on Novel Pyridine and 2-pyridone Derivatives of N-arylpiperazine as α-adrenoceptor Ligands
Medicinal Chemistry Monoclonal Antibodies in Clinical Oncology
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Adrenomedullins: Therapeutic Potential in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Hypertension Reviews Combination of Therapeutic Hypothermia and Other Neuroprotective Strategies after An Ischemic Cerebral Insult
Current Neuropharmacology