title: Isoflurane and propofol for long-term sedation in the intensive care unit. A crossover study.
abstract: Propofol and isoflurane have been reported recently to offer better sedation than alternative agents in patients who require long-term ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. This is the first report of a direct comparison between propofol and isoflurane. Twenty-four patients predicted to require artificial ventilation for at least 48 h were entered into a randomised crossover study to monitor sedation quality and time to recovery from sedation. There were no significant differences between the two agents in either end-point, with over 95% optimal sedation achieved by the use of each drug. Few adverse events were noted. Technological advances in the administration of volatile agents as long-term sedatives in the Intensive Care Unit may facilitate their more widespread use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care, St George's Hospital, London.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Millane
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Grounds
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002496:Central Venous Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015742:Propofol / Q000009:adverse effects; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007530:Isoflurane; D015742:Propofol