Intensive Therapy Unit Patients Research Articles

The time course of disuse muscle atrophy of the lower limb in health and disease.

Short, intermittent episodes of disuse muscle atrophy (DMA) may have negative impact on age related muscle loss. There is evidence of variability in rate of DMA between muscles and over the duration of immobilization. As yet, this is poorly characterized. This review aims to establish and compare the time-course of DMA in immobilized human lower limb muscles in both healthy and critically ill individuals, exploring evidence for an acute phase of DMA and differential rates of atrophy between and muscle groups. MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to April 2021 for any study of human lower limb immobilization reporting muscle volume, cross-sectional area (CSA), architecture or lean leg mass over multiple post-immobilization timepoints. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Where possible meta-analysis was performed using a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model with effect sizes reported as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) at various time-points and a narrative review when meta-analysis was not possible. Twenty-nine studies were included, 12 in healthy volunteers (total n=140), 18 in patients on an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) (total n=516) and 3 in patients with ankle fracture (total n=39). The majority of included studies are at moderate risk of bias. Rate of quadriceps atrophy over the first 14days was significantly greater in the ITU patients (MD -1.01 95% CI -1.32, -0.69), than healthy cohorts (MD -0.12 95% CI -0.49, 0.24) (P<0.001). Rates of atrophy appeared to vary between muscle groups (greatest in triceps surae (-11.2% day 28), followed by quadriceps (-9.2% day 28), then hamstrings (-6.5% day 28), then foot dorsiflexors (-3.2% day 28)). Rates of atrophy appear to decrease over time in healthy quadriceps (-6.5% day 14 vs. -9.1% day 28) and triceps surae (-7.8% day 14 vs. -11.2% day 28), and ITU quadriceps (-13.2% day 7 vs. -28.2% day 14). There appears to be variability in the rate of DMA between muscle groups, and more rapid atrophy during the earliest period of immobilization, indicating different mechanisms being dominant at different timepoints. Rates of atrophy are greater amongst critically unwell patients. Overall evidence is limited, and existing data has wide variability in the measures reported. Further work is required to fully characterize the time course of DMA in both health and disease.

Measurement of breathing in patients with post-COVID-19 using structured light plethysmography (SLP)

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on global health to date, with 5.6 million cases in the UK since its emergence. The respiratory symptoms largely mimic those of pneumonia’...

Lung function and breathing patterns in hospitalised COVID-19 survivors: a review of post-COVID-19 Clinics

IntroductionThere is relatively little published on the effects of COVID-19 on respiratory physiology, particularly breathing patterns. We sought to determine if there were lasting detrimental effect following hospital discharge and if these related to the severity of COVID-19.MethodsWe reviewed lung function and breathing patterns in COVID-19 survivors > 3 months after discharge, comparing patients who had been admitted to the intensive therapy unit (ITU) (n = 47) to those who just received ward treatments (n = 45). Lung function included spirometry and gas transfer and breathing patterns were measured with structured light plethysmography. Continuous data were compared with an independent t-test or Mann Whitney-U test (depending on distribution) and nominal data were compared using a Fisher’s exact test (for 2 categories in 2 groups) or a chi-squared test (for > 2 categories in 2 groups). A p-value of < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.ResultsWe found evidence of pulmonary restriction (reduced vital capacity and/or alveolar volume) in 65.4% of all patients. 36.1% of all patients has a reduced transfer factor (TLCO) but the majority of these (78.1%) had a preserved/increased transfer coefficient (KCO), suggesting an extrapulmonary cause. There were no major differences between ITU and ward lung function, although KCO alone was higher in the ITU patients (p = 0.03). This could be explained partly by obesity, respiratory muscle fatigue, localised microvascular changes, or haemosiderosis from lung damage. Abnormal breathing patterns were observed in 18.8% of subjects, although no consistent pattern of breathing pattern abnormalities was evident.ConclusionsAn “extrapulmonary restrictive” like pattern appears to be a common phenomenon in previously admitted COVID-19 survivors. Whilst the cause of this is not clear, the effects seem to be similar on patients whether or not they received mechanical ventilation or had ward based respiratory support/supplemental oxygen.

Stability of OCT and OCTA in the Intensive Therapy Unit Setting.

To assess the stability of retinal structure and blood flow measures over time and in different clinical settings using portable optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a potential biomarker of central perfusion in critical illness, 18 oesophagectomy patients completed retinal structure and blood flow measurements by portable OCT and OCTA in the eye clinic and intensive therapy unit (ITU) across three timepoints: (1) pre-operation in a clinic setting; (2) 24–48 h post-operation during ITU admission; and (3) seven days post-operation, if the patient was still admitted. Blood flow and macular structural measures were stable between the examination settings, with no consistent variation between pre- and post-operation scans, while retinal nerve fibre layer thickness increased in the post-operative scans (+2.31 µm, p = 0.001). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements were the most stable, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of up to 0.92 for right eye FAZ area. Blood flow and structural measures were lower in left eyes than right eyes. Retinal blood flow assessed in patients before and during an ITU stay using portable OCTA showed no systematic differences between the clinical settings. The stability of retinal blood flow measures suggests the potential for portable OCTA to provide clinically useful measures in ITU patients.

The use of nutritional screening tools in the intensive therapy unit

Patients requiring advanced organ support are often malnourished. A rapid, simple and reasonably accurate method of identifying malnutrition is through the use of a screening tool. Indeed, a nutritional screen is required to complete a full holistic clinical assessment. Organizations such as ESPEN (the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) recommend standardization of nutritional screening (i.e. use of a single tool across a region). Many tools for nutritional screening have been developed. None have been fully validated for use in the intensive therapy unit (ITU). Moreover, most of these tools consider all critically ill patients to be malnourished or at high risk of malnutrition. However, not all patients in the ITU will benefit from nutritional interventions. For this reason, the Nutrition Risk in Critically ill (NUTRIC) score was developed specifically for patients in ITU. However a recent analysis of the PermiT trial failed to demonstrate any benefit on outcomes associated with the use of the NUTRIC Score. Recommendations on use of a tool for nutritional screening can, therefore, only be based on expert opinion. Those ITUs awaiting a validated tool should adopt a pragmatic approach to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. For those ITUs that are using a tool for screening it is best if this is used at first contact with the patient by a healthcare professional (e.g. a nurse or a doctor) who is not a specialist in nutrition. Subsequently, recurrent, sequential screening can plot the trajectory of a patient’s nutritional status along the timeline of their admission to hospital. This can be continued after step down from ITU to the ward and discharge home. This simple sequential assessment can inform past, present and/or future risk of malnutrition. The subsequent prevention and treatment of malnutrition depend on the management after screening. Thus a support structure for nutritional interventions (e.g. measurement tools, documentation, follow-up plans) is as important as the tools themselves. Citation: Rajendram R, Khan MF. The use of nutritional screening tools in the intensive therapy unit. Anaesth. pain &amp; intensive care 2019;23(2):231-236

The impact of an omega-3 fatty acid rich lipid emulsion on fatty acid profiles in critically ill septic patients

BackgroundDeath from sepsis in the intensive therapy unit (ITU) is frequently preceded by the development of multiple organ failure as a result of uncontrolled inflammation. Treatment with omega-3 (n−3) fatty acids (FAs), principally eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been demonstrated to attenuate the effects of uncontrolled inflammation and may be clinically beneficial in reducing mortality from organ dysfunction. Fish oil (FO) is a source of EPA and DHA. MethodsA randomized trial investigating the effects of parenteral (intravenous) nutrition providing FO (0.092g EPA+DHA/kg body weight/day) was conducted. Sixty consecutive ITU patients diagnosed with sepsis were randomised to receive either once daily parenteral FO and standard medical care or standard medical care only. ResultsForty one patients (21 received fish oil; 20 controls) consented to blood sampling and blood was taken on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 13; because of deaths, patient discharge and withdrawal of consent, the number of blood samples available for analysis diminished with time. FA composition of plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC), plasma non-esterified FAs (NEFAs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined by gas chromatography. EPA and DHA were rapidly incorporated into all 3 lipid pools investigated. There was a reduction in the arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA+DHA ratio in plasma PC and NEFAs. Fewer patients died in the FO group (13.3% (n=4)) compared with the control group (26.7% (n=8)) but this difference was not significant. A reduction in the AA/(EPA+DHA) ratio in PBMCs and plasma PC was associated with significantly improved survival. Plasma PC, plasma NEFA and PBMC FA profiles are rapidly altered by FO infusion in critically ill septic patients. ConclusionThe provision of high dose n−3 FAs resulted in a rapid and significant increase in EPA and DHA and a reduction in AA/(EPA+DHA) ratio. This latter reduction is associated with improved survival.

Sustaining pressure ulcer best practices in a high-volume cardiac care environment.

\Narayana Hrudayalaya Cardiac Hospital (NHCH) in Bangalore, India (now known as the Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences), is one of the world's largest and busiest cardiac hospitals. In early 2009, NHCH experienced a sharp increase in the number of surgical procedures performed and a corresponding rise in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The hospital sought to reduce pressure ulcer prevalence by implementing a portfolio of quality improvement strategies. Baseline data showed that, over the five-month observation period, an average of 6% of all adult and pediatric surgical patients experienced a pressure ulcer while recovering in the NHCH intensive therapy unit (ITU). Phase 1 implementation efforts, which began in January 2010, focused on four areas: raising awareness, increasing education, improving documentation and communication, and implementing various preventive practices. Phase 2 implementation efforts, which began the following month, focused on changing operating room practices. The primary outcome measure was the weekly percentage of ITU patients with pressure ulcers. By July 2010, that percentage was reduced to zero; as of April 1, 2014, the hospital has maintained this result. Elements that contributed significantly to the program's success and sustainability include strong leadership, nurse and physician involvement, an emphasis on personal responsibility, improved documentation and communication, ongoing training and support, and a portfolio of low-tech changes to core workflows and behaviors. Many of these elements are applicable to U.S. acute care environments.

An integrated systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials evaluating nasogastric against postpyloris (nasoduodenal and nasojejunal) feeding in critically ill patients admitted in intensive care unit

This article presents the systematic review of the randomized, controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of nasogastric (NG) versus postpyloris (PP) feeding in critically ill surgical patients and other patients in intensive therapy unit (ITU). Twenty randomized trials recruiting 1496 patients were retrieved from the standard electronic databases. There were 760 patients in the NG feeding group and 736 patients in the PP feeding group. There was significant heterogeneity among trials. PP feeding in ITU patients was associated with lower gastric residual volume (odds ratio (OR), 3.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19, 13.14; z = 2.24; P<0.03; I(2) = 73%) and a reduced risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.98; z = 2.03; P<0.04; I(2) = 10%) compared with NG feeding. In addition, higher proportion of caloric requirements (standardized mean difference, -1.02; 95% CI, -1.73, -0.31; z = 2.82; P<0.005; I(2) = 95%) could be delivered with PP feeding. Risk of gastrointestinal complications, overall mortality and length of ITU stay were similar between the two techniques of enteral feeding. In summary, PP feeding in ITU patients reduces the gastric residual volume and risk of aspiration pneumonia. PP feeding is also superior to NG feeding in terms of delivering higher proportion of daily caloric requirements. PP feeding with the help of nasoduodenal or nasojejunal tube may be used routinely in ITU patients for nutritional support.

Zinc supplementation in intensive care: Results of a UK survey

PurposeOur laboratory receives many routine requests for plasma zinc analysis from intensive care units (ICUs) throughout Scotland. However, such requests are inappropriate because plasma zinc concentrations fall independently of nutritional deficiency during the systemic inflammatory response and, therefore, in critically ill patients. This survey was performed to investigate how widespread this practice was and if low plasma zinc concentrations were interpreted as zinc deficiency so triggering inappropriate initiation of zinc supplementation. Materials and MethodsA questionnaire was sent to ICUs throughout the UK; nonresponders were contacted by telephone, and the questionnaire details were recorded. The questionnaire asked if plasma zinc was routinely requested, the frequency of requests, whether patients were supplemented with zinc, and if so, the grounds for supplementation and the dose given. ResultsPlasma measurement of zinc was routinely performed in 18% of UK ICUs. Zinc supplementation was given in 10%, usually as a result of finding low plasma zinc concentrations. Dosages of supplementation varied widely between ICUs: from 0.4 to 135 mg zinc per day. Approximately 6% of ICUs gave very high supplements of zinc of 90 and 135 mg/d. ConclusionsThe finding of a low plasma zinc concentration in Intensive Therapy Unit patients is often misinterpreted as indicating zinc deficiency and inappropriately prompts zinc supplementation. There is no evidence base to support high-dose zinc supplementation in ICU patients. This practice is justifiable only if future randomized trials demonstrate a benefit.

Detection of herpes viruses in respiratory secretions of patients undergoing artificial ventilation

The significance of detection of herpes viruses in respiratory secretions of critically ill patients is controversial. The study aim was to determine the prevalence of herpes virus DNA in respiratory secretions in patients on artificial ventilation. Respiratory secretions taken thrice weekly from 174 patients in a tertiary center intensive therapy unit (ITU) were tested for herpes simplex virus (HSV) by nested PCR. Samples from 61 patients in ITU for 4 days or more were also tested for Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) using real-time PCR. HSV positivity increased with ITU stay with 18.6% admission samples positive, 32.5% day 2-5 samples, and 65.9% day 6-39 samples. Being HSV positive on admission did not influence mortality (9/27, 33.3% vs. 38/118, 32.2%) however, subsequently, mortality of those negative but becoming positive was higher than in those remaining negative (10/35, 29% vs. 5/24 21%). At least one sample was EBV positive in 61% and CMV positive in 19% of patients tested. Of 63 patients tested for all three viruses, 4 were positive for three viruses, 23 patients for two viruses, 24 for one virus and 12 were negative for all the above viruses. Detection of HSV, EBV and CMV is common in ITU patients. Becoming HSV positive while in ITU may increase mortality.

Orthostatic plate in Intensive Therapy Units of São Paulo city

Immobilization and prolonged internment of the critical patient in Intensive Therapy Units (ITU) may have adverse effects.The orthostatic plate may be a resource for early recovery of functional variables of critical patients in ITU; that therapeutic measureis frequently used in other countries. No data exist in Brazil about the availability of this equipment in ITUs or about its frequency ofuse. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of the orthostatic plate in ITUs of Sao Paulo private, public and nonprofit hospitals. This is a transversal study using semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. 182 institutions were asked to takepart in the evaluation, 70 hospitals were included and 15 (21.42%) of the evaluated hospitals answered the questionnaire; 3 (20%) ofthem had an orthostatic plate, but no one used it as a routine therapeutic resource in Intensive Therapy Units. Most hospitals do nothave the plate; from the 3 hospitals that reported to have the equipment, only one uses the plate in the ITU.

The nursing professional in an Intensive Therapy Unit

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to gain insight into the meaning of being a nursing professional working in a public Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU). This study addresses aspects related to their way of being and feeling from the perspective of ITU patients care and treatment. METHODS: A qualitative research was applied based on a phenomenological background. The guiding question of the study was "what does it mean to you being an ITU nursing professional?" RESULTS: The results show that the lack of human and material resources in the ITU contributes to a feeling of low self-esteem. It pointed out a stressfull work which can lead to problems in the health assistance quality. CONCLUSION: The stress at work affects psychologically the ITU nursing professionals and it can have negative outcomes in the patients treatment, caused by the isolation and aleniation phenomena.

Managing ambiguity and danger in an intensive therapy unit: ritual practices and sequestration

This paper reports on a particular aspect of a larger ethnographic study of nursing culture in an intensive therapy unit (ITU), accomplished through participant observation over a 12-month period, followed by interviews with 15 nurses. The paper suggests that the ITU environment is perceived as 'dangerous', its dangerousness stemming from the ambiguity of its patients' conditions. Drawing on anthropological concepts of liminality, pollution, anomaly and breaching of boundaries, the paper identifies various ambiguities inherent in ITU patients' conditions. It then explores the ways in which these anomalies are managed through sequestration and other ritual and symbolic practices. Notwithstanding the undoubted scientific reasons for particular nursing practices, the paper argues that there are also ritual and symbolic elements serving other more complex purposes, both protecting patients and staff and symbolising the highly valued phenomenon of keeping patients safe. The paper identifies a contradiction inherent in nursing work in this locale inasmuch as rituals and symbolism coexist with technical and research-based elements of nursing care.

Nasogastric tube incidents and the use of the 'whoosh test'

Having just read the April edition of the Patient Safety Bulletin from the National Patient Safety Agency [1], I have issue with an article on nasogastric tube (NGT) incidents and the use of the 'whoosh test' in checking NGT placement in intensive therapy unit patients. The whoosh test is undertaken by rapidly injecting air down an NGT while auscultating over the epigastrium. Gurgling is indicative of air entering the stomach, whilst its absence suggests the tip of the NGT is elsewhere (lung, oesophagus, pharynx, and so on). The article [1], and an associated guideline [2], outlaws totally the use of the whoosh test. If an aspirate is not obtainable once the NGT is sited, performing the whoosh test is a valuable means to assess the likelihood of the NGT being in the stomach or not. If a positive whoosh test is heard, then a chest radiograph (CXR) can be requested. If the whoosh test is negative, then there is little point in requesting a CXR as the probability of the NGT being in the stomach is very low (in my experience). Performing an unnecessary CXR on an intensive therapy unit patient carries risks of radiation (to patient, adjacent patients and staff), of unnecessary rolling (in patients with potential spinal injuries), and of unnecessary use of intensive therapy unit and radiology staff time and resources. The 'whoosh test' should never be used in isolation to ascertain if an NGT is in the stomach. As a screening tool prior to CXR, however, the test is invaluable should an aspirate be unobtainable.

Gram-positive hospital acquired infection in the ITU setting

The intensive therapy unit (ITU) is a prime site for the development and emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The majority of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in ITU patients are methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In general, other Gram-positive pathogens including coagulase-negative staphylococci (mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis ) and enterococci (primarily Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium ) are also increasingly becoming increasing antibiotic resistant. In a recent US study, bacteraemias in ITU patients accounted for about half of all cases, and significant increases were observed in the prevalence of MRSA, coagulase-negative staphylococci and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (all P < 0.0 0 1 ). Almost all of these resistant pathogens remain susceptible to linezolid, and additionally to daptomycin and tigecycline, two new agents that are already licenced in some countries. Comparative studies are few but do suggest possible superiority for linezolid in comparison with vancomycin both for the treatment of MRSA hospital-acquired pneumonia (including ventilator associated pneumonia), and for the treatment of complicated skin structure infection caused by MRSA. Linezolid was also superior to teicoplanin in patients with Gram-positive infection, notably in those with S. aureus bacteraemia. Thus, new antimicrobials offer a welcome addition to the hitherto limited therapeutic alternatives for prevalent Gram-positive pathogens in ITU patients.

Kinetic therapy positively influences oxygenation in patients with ALI/ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fulminant form of respiratory failure, with diverse aetiology, despite technological advances in intensive care medicine; mortality rates remain 50-70%. Costs associated with the management of patients in intensive therapy unit (ITU) are very high; therefore, the requirement for those working in critical care to provide evidence-based practice is mandatory. One area of investigation is that kinetic therapy improves pulmonary complications in critically ill patients by positively influencing oxygenation and gaseous exchange. Whilst kinetic therapy does appear to be an effective therapy in ITU, there are inconsistencies in reported findings, and thus, clearly a need for further research into this innovative therapy to maximize its potential.

Palliative care research protocols: a special case for ethical review?

Between October 2001 and May 2002 the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of each Multicentre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) in England, Wales and Scotland took part in a semi-structured interview to ascertain the attitudes of MRECs to palliative care research. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Most respondents said each protocol was reviewed on its own merits, according to broad ethical principles, but were equivocal as to whether palliative care protocols posed particular or different challenges compared to those from other specialties. Respondents said they reviewed only a small number of palliative care protocols, and that they were less experienced with some of the study methods utilized, particularly qualitative designs. Four main themes emerged from the analysis. Respondents expressed concerns about the protocol itself--in regard to safeguarding the principles of autonomy and justice. There were concerns about how the research would be carried out, especially the protection of patients and the influence and input of the researcher in the process. The third theme concerned the impact of the research on the participant, particularly intrusion, potential distress and the existence of support mechanisms. Fourthly, respondents identified patient groups receiving palliative care (children, the elderly, bereaved families, patients in intensive therapy units, and those from ethnic groupings), who they considered might be particularly vulnerable.

Prevalent PCR ribotypes of clinical and environmental strains of Clostridium difficile isolated from intensive-therapy unit patients in Kuwait

Ninety-five isolates of Clostridium difficile from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and 18 from their environment in the intensive-therapy units (ITUs) of four teaching hospitals in Kuwait were typed by PCR amplification of rRNA intergenic spacer regions (PCR ribotyping). A total of 32 different ribotypes was detected among the clinical isolates. The predominant ribotypes from the clinical isolates were types 097 and 078, which accounted for approximately 40 % of all isolates in the ITUs in Kuwait. Ribotypes 097 (toxigenic), 078 (toxigenic) and 039 (non-toxigenic) were three distinct clones that were circulating in all four hospitals. Ribotypes 097, 078 and 076 (i.e. 50 % of isolates from symptomatic patients) were the predominant isolates associated with C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD). The environmental isolates belonged to a diverse range of ribotypes, with no particular types common to all the hospitals. Ribotype 078 was found only in the patient environment in Mubarak hospital, while ribotype 097 was restricted to Amiri hospital. The hospital environment occupied by symptomatic as well as symptom-free patients was contaminated with C. difficile. Eight new strains that did not match any in the PCR ribotype library established at the PHLS Anaerobe Reference Unit, Cardiff, UK, were assigned ribotypes 105, 125, 128, 129, 131, 134, 140 and 141. These findings show that the isolates associated with CDAD in Kuwait are different from those found in the UK and some other European countries.

Population pharmacokinetics of aminoglycoside antibiotics in patients with cystic fibrosis.

The population pharmacokinetics of gentamicin and tobramycin were investigated in a group of 51 young adults with cystic fibrosis. Their ages ranged from 14-35 years, weights from 38-82 kg, and 27 of the patients were female. None of the patients had renal impairment, but 3 patients were treated in the intensive therapy unit (ITU) during one of their courses of therapy. Data comprised 219 courses of therapy and 544 concentrations (mean: 11 per patient). Concentration-time data were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects model package (NONMEM) and were best described by a one-compartment model. Factors identified as potentially influencing aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics were added in a stepwise fashion and the best model found that drug clearance and volume of distribution were related to body surface area and admission to ITU. The mean population estimates were a clearance of 2.89 L/hr/m2 and a volume of distribution of 9.21 L/m2 with a 60% increase in patients who were admitted to ITU. Interpatient variability in clearance and volume were 14% and 8%, respectively. The results suggested that a dose of 120 mg/m2 should achieve an average 1 hour postdose peak of 10 mg/L and trough of <1 mg/L and that higher doses might be required in ITU patients.

The use of curare-like agents in resuscitation

To analyse current data on use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NBA) in the intensive therapy unit (ITU) patients and to propose practice guidelines. We did a Medline search of French and English language articles on NBA administration in ITU patients from 1960 to 1998. Data were also selected from our own collection of articles and books. Original articles, clinical cases, letters to the editor and review articles were considered. Data on pharmacology of NBA in the ITU patient were extracted, as well as data on administration patterns and cost. The indications for myorelaxation in ITU patients include either short term use, as in anaesthesia, or long term administration for facilitation of mechanical ventilation, control of increased intracranial pressure, status epilepticus, tetanus and oxygen demand in case of muscular hyperactivity, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures facilitation. A beneficial effect of NBA on the prognosis of the disease for which these agents have been used is not yet proven. Suxamethonium, because for its short onset time and duration of action, is the agent of choice for endotracheal intubation if myorelaxation is required. Among the benzylisoquinolines, atracurium and besilate of cisatracurium are convenient agents in ITU patients, whereas mivacurium is of no special interest. Among the aminosteroids, pancuronium and vecuronium are the most often used agents in the ITU. Rocuronium has not yet been extensively assessed. Myorelaxants carry risks for morbidity and mortality. The difficulty to assess the neurological status and the level of sedation is a recognised adverse effect. An accidental disconnection from the circuit and the resulting asphyxia is nowadays recognised without delay by the ventilator. NBAs increase the rate of bronchopulmonary infections. Cardiovascular complications include extreme bradycardia or sinus arrest following vecuronium administration, and cardiac arrest after suxamethonium injection mainly in burned or traumatised patients. Conversely to anaesthesia, NBAs do not carry a significant risk for anaphylactic or anaphylactoid complications in the ITU. Tachyphylaxis occurs mainly in burns and other pathologies modifying acetylcholine receptors. Neuromuscular complications include myopathy from steroids, postparalytic syndrome, deconditioning syndrome and intensive care polyneuropathy. Prolonged curarisation after discontinuation of NBA administration has a multifactorial origin and must be differentiated from neuromuscular complications. For prolonged neuromuscular blockade, pancuronium, vecuronium and atracurium are the agents of choice. The association with an adequate sedation is essential. Assessment of depth of neuromuscular blockade is not based on clinical symptoms but on train-of-four (TOF) twitch monitoring. A convenient basic relaxation is usually obtained with the suppression of the two last responses to TOF. The use of NBA in ITU patient should result from a rational decision making procedure, the blockade titrated with a TOF monitor and maintained as superficially and shortly as possible.