What is a common side effect of corticosteroids in critically ill patients?

Corticosteroids are well-known for their immunosuppressive effects, which can significantly increase the risk of infections in critically ill patients. This is due to the suppression of various components of the immune response, including the actions of macrophages and lymphocytes, which are crucial for fighting off infections. In the setting of critical illness, where patients may already have compromised immunity due to their underlying health conditions or the stress of illness, the additional immunosuppression caused by corticosteroids can lead to a heightened vulnerability to both common and opportunistic pathogens.

While other side effects such as nausea and vomiting, hypoglycemia, and fluid retention may occur in certain contexts, they are not as prominent or as concerning as the increased risk of infections when it comes to the use of corticosteroids in critically ill patients. Therefore, the increased risk of infection is a critical aspect of patient management in the ICU and influences both treatment protocols and infection control measures.