Etomidate Versus Ketamine for Emergency Endotracheal Intubation: a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

About This Study

Patients who are having problems breathing sometimes require placement of a breathing tube in their mouth and windpipe. The purpose of this breathing tube is to save the patient's life. It is common to give the patient a medication to sedate him or her before the breathing tube is placed. For patients who are gravely ill two medications are commonly used: etomidate or ketamine. Both medications have risks and benefits. Researchers at UT-Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital would like to do a study to figure out which one is better for our patients.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• •Etomidate
• •Ketamine
• •Emergency Endotracheal Intubation
• •Mechanical Ventilation

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (male or female) requiring emergency endotracheal intubation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children (\<18 years old).
* Women who are known to be pregnant.
* Any patient who has been previously randomized in the EvK Trial.
* Patients who require endotracheal intubation without sedative medication. For example, patients in full cardiac arrest.
* Patients with a known allergy to ketamine or etomidate.
* Any individual wearing a MedAlert bracelet indicating that he/she has formally opted out of the EvK Trial.

Study Locations (1)