Acetylcholine receptor antagonists have been shown to improve outcome in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, it is incompletely understood how these agents improve outcome. In the current editorial, we discuss the mechanisms of action of acetylcholine receptor antagonists beyond neuromuscular blockade.
Keywords: Acetylcholine; Acetylcholine receptors; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Direct anti-inflammatory effect; Low tidal volume ventilation; Lung injury markers; Neuromuscular blockers; Partial neuromuscular blockade; Respiratory muscles.