SUMMARYMedical care of critically ill patients is complex and resource intensive. Systemic inflammation is a usual problem among critically ill patients; however, the effects of common medications on inflammation has not been adequately studied.Aim: To explore associations between sedation and opioid analgesics with common inflammatory markers in critically ill patients treated in intensive care units (ICU).Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive correlational study. The study was conducted at the ICU of the biggest Cyprus general hospital and involved all patients hospitalized during the year 2013. Purposive sampling was used. Collection of data was carried out through the ICU electronic data.Results: There is no apparent association of opiate analgesics and suppressants with the CRP.Conclusion: There was no significant association between the use of opiate analgesics and sedatives and inflammatory indicators. There is a need for further research to investigate potential associations between pharmacotherapy and inflammatory markers in critically ill patients giving emphasis on confounding variables, such as patients’ clinical characteristics and severity.
Exploratory study on Nursing Manpower required for caring critically ill patients in intensive Care unit
