The role of mucoactive agents in the mechanically ventilated patient: a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The management of airway secretions in the mechanically ventilated patient is a routine task throughout all intensive care units. The current treatment strategies are primarily based on anecdotal experiences rather than statistical evidence. Areas covered: This review article evaluates the data from published trials surrounding mucoactive agents and their use in the critically ill patient population. We completed an extensive search through PUBMED and CINAHL via EBSCO, along with the Cochran library to find all trials using mucoactive agents in the critically ill patient population. Expert commentary: Overall, the role of mucoactive agents in the intensive care unit is a field within pulmonary critical care that is in need of evidence-based recommendations. We feel that there is great opportunity for investigators to evaluate different mucoactive therapies in this patient population and to determine their effect on clinical outcomes.