Effects of music intervention on inflammatory markers in critically ill and post-operative patients: A systematic review of the literature

Background

Music listening has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and patient tolerance of procedures. Music may also have beneficial effects on inflammatory biomarkers in intensive care and post-operative patients, but the quality of evidence is not clear.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effects of music on inflammatory biomarkers in intensive care, and post-operative patients.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was performed. After screening 1570 references, full text review of 26 studies was performed. Fourteen studies were selected for inclusion.

Results

Seven studies showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels, but the level of evidence was low. Three studies had low risk of methodological bias, while 11 studies had high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Music intervention may decrease cortisol levels, but other biomarkers remain unchanged. Given the low level of evidence, further research on music effects on inflammatory biomarkers is needed.