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Challenges and recommendations for integrating circadian medicine in critical care: a roadmap

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Item Type:Article
Title:Challenges and recommendations for integrating circadian medicine in critical care: a roadmap
Creators Name:Hiemstra, Floor W., González, Liliana Bustos, Engelhardt, Lilian J., Hancke, Laura, Pilz, Luisa K., Adler, Amanda I., Dashti, Hassan S., Drouot, Xavier, Kitchen, Gareth B., Knauert, Melissa P., Kramer, Achim, Lipton, Jonathan O., Luetz, Alawi, Maas, Matthew B., Pajor, Nathan M., Parthasarathy, Sairam, Spies, Claudia, van Westerloo, David J., Felten, Matthias, Klerman, Elizabeth B., Ray, David W., Ruben, Marc D., Roenneberg, Till and Kervezee, Laura
Abstract:BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms are often severely disrupted in critically ill patients in the ICU. The ICU environment, characterized by irregular light-dark signals, continuous nutrition, and round-the-clock interventions, contributes to this disruption by providing weak and conflicting timing cues to the circadian system. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated that circadian rhythms play a vital role in regulating physiology and maintaining overall health. Therefore, integrating circadian principles into critical care may represent a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes in the ICU. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the key challenges of integrating circadian medicine into critical care, what steps can address these challenges, and which recommendations can guide future study designs and clinical implementation? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We convened a 5-day workshop in September 2024 that brought together 24 international experts with backgrounds in circadian biology, critical care, and implementation science. Each day was organized around a predefined theme, with morning presentations and plenary discussions, and afternoons dedicated to drafting a list of Propositions and Recommendations in breakout groups. Propositions and Recommendations were finalized via a post-workshop survey requiring $ 75% agreement. RESULTS: This roadmap summarizes the discussions and outcomes of the workshop, structured around a set of Propositions and Recommendations, and provides a framework for building a robust evidence base for integrating circadian principles into ICU practice. Key recommendations include the development of circadian outcome measures tailored for use in the ICU and using standardized frameworks for evaluating the effect of circadian interventions in clinical trials. INTERPRETATION: Altogether, this roadmap provides an interdisciplinary framework resulting from a collaborative effort of ICU clinicians, circadian biologists, and implementation specialists, for building a robust evidence base for integrating circadian principles into ICU research and practice.
Keywords:Circadian Rhythms, Critical Care, Critical Illness, ICU, Meeting Report
Source:Chest
ISSN:0012-3692
Publisher:Elsevier / American College of Chest Physicians
Volume:169
Number:4
Page Range:977-990
Date:April 2026
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2025.12.010
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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