The Effects of Ketamine on Respiratory Stimulation and Transpulmonary Pressures

About This Study

Impairment of airway patency is a common cause of extubation failure and opioids and hypnotics can adversely affect airway patency. Ketamine, a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), unlike other anesthetics activates respiratory effort and promotes bronchodilation. At subanesthetic plasma concentration, ketamine reduces both opioid and propofol requirements. The purpose of this pharmaco-physiological interaction trial is to evaluate the effects of ketamine on breathing and electroencephalography in mechanically ventilated patients.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• •Subanesthetic ketamine

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years admitted to ICU requiring mechanical ventilation
* Suitable for spontaneous breathing trial
* Candidate to received low dose ketamine by the primary critical care team

Exclusion Criteria:

* Esophageal injury
* Allergic to ketamine
* Known neurodegenerative disorders
* Major neurologic disorders (elevated ICP)

Study Locations (2)