title: Ketamine infusion. Its use as a sedative, inotrope and bronchodilator in a critically ill patient.
abstract: 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.
authors: Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
authors: G R
authors: GR
authors: Park
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Manara
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Mendel
authors: P E
authors: PE
authors: Bateman
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007649:Ketamine