Pro/con Debate: Is Etomidate Safe in Hemodynamically Unstable Critically Ill Patients?

Overview

Journal Crit Care

Specialty Critical Care

Date 2012 Jul 20

PMID 22809235

Citations 4

Authors

Gordon Flynn

Yahya Shehabi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Etomidate is an induction agent known for its smooth intubating conditions and cardiovascular stability. Studies, however, have shown that a single dose of etomidate can result in a prolonged adrenal insufficiency. The impact of this in patients with sepsis has been a matter for debate. This review presents a pro/con case for using etomidate in hemodynamically unstable critically ill patients and provides guidance for alternative induction techniques and when the use of etomidate might be justified despite these concerns.

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