The significance of circadian rhythms and dysrhythmias in critical illness.

摘要: Many physiological and cellular processes cycle with time, the period between one peak next being roughly equal to 24 h. These circadian rhythms underlie 'permissive homeostasis', whereby anticipation of periods increased energy demand or stress may enhance function individual cells, organ systems whole organisms. variables related survival during critical illness have a rhythm, including sleep/wake cycle, haemodynamic respiratory indices, immunity coagulation, but their clinical significance remains underappreciated. Critically ill patients suffer from dysrhythmia, manifesting overtly as sleep disturbance delirium, widespread covert effects on function. Environmental pharmacological strategies that ameliorate prevent dysrhythmia demonstrated benefit. Harnessing these important biological phenomena match metabolic supply bolster cell defenses at apposite time be future therapeutic strategy in intensive care unit.