Ketamine infusion. Its use as a sedative, inotrope and bronchodilator in a critically ill patient.
A patient with acute lymphatic leukaemia developed a bilateral fulminating Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia and required controlled ventilation of the lungs. Marked agitation, hypotension and bronchospasm unresponsive to conventional bronchodilators presented a therapeutic challenge. A continuous intravenous infusion of midazolam failed to provide adequate sedation. A continuous intravenous infusion of ketamine resulted in better sedation, an increase in arterial pressure and a diminution of bronchospasm. The clinical improvement was maintained for the 5 days during which ketamine was infused. Plasma concentrations of ketamine and its metabolites are reported.
Park
G R
GR
Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
Manara
A R
AR
Mendel
L
L
Bateman
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007649:Ketamine