Millane T A, Bennett E D, Grounds R M
Department of Intensive Care, St George's Hospital, London.
Anaesthesia. 1992 Sep;47(9):768-74. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1992.tb03254.x.
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.
