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Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

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Surgical Intensive Care Medicine

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Abstract

The role of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in the critically ill continues to evolve. Several drug types are available for use, but nondepolarizing agents are by far the most commonly used in the ICU. Severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilatory support is the most common indication for induced muscle relaxation. Peripheral nerve monitoring can help optimize NMBA dosing. Therapeutic paralysis in the critically ill patient continues to be controversial. Acute quadriplegic myopathy and potential mortality benefit in adult respiratory distress syndrome are on opposing ends of the clinical spectrum intensivists must consider when using NMBA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Newton Pavilion, Room 2817, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Gerardo Rodríguez MD & Rafael A. Ortega MD

  2. Department of Anesthesiology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., #298, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Ruben J. Azocar MD, FCCM

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  1. Gerardo Rodríguez MD
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  2. Ruben J. Azocar MD, FCCM
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  3. Rafael A. Ortega MD
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Correspondence to Gerardo Rodríguez MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Critical Care; Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Division of Surgery, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA

    John M. O'Donnell

  2. Surgical Critical Care Medicine, Pr�-Card�o Hospital, Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Flávio E. Nácul

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Rodríguez, G., Azocar, R.J., Ortega, R.A. (2016). Neuromuscular Blocking Agents. In: O'Donnell, J., Nácul, F. (eds) Surgical Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19668-8_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19668-8_12

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