Ketamine Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

About This Study

* Adequate sedation is of paramount importance to avoid stress and pain in mechanically ventilated patients. It is usually achieved by infusing sedatives (benzodiazepine) and analgesic (opiate) drugs. * This combined sedation may not be sufficient in some instances. * The aim of this study is to evaluate whether addition of a third substance, ketamine, allows the achievement of better sedation and avoids the use of neuromuscular blocking agents.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• •ketamine

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Mechanically ventilated patients who receive adequate dosing of sedative agents (midazolam \> 0.15 mg/kg/h plus sufentanil \> 0.3 mcg/kg/h)
* Persistence of agitation indicating that sedation is not appropriate, as assessed by validated sedation scales (Harris scare; Motor Activity Assessment scale).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Patient who already receives neuromuscular blocking agents

Study Locations (1)