Does Propofol Sedation Contribute to Overall Energy Provision in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults? A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

Propofol sedation is common in critically ill patients, providing energy of 1.1 kcal/mL when administered as a 1% solution. We aimed to determine the proportion of energy administered as propofol on days 1-5 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and any association with outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study in a quaternary ICU from January-December 2012. Inclusion criteria were length of stay (LOS) ≥5 days, age ≥18 years, and provision of mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥5 days. Outcome measures included proportion of total daily energy provided as propofol, overall energy balance, hospital mortality, duration of MV, and ICU LOS.

RESULTS

Data from 370 patients were analyzed, 87.8% (n = 325) of whom received propofol during days 1-5 in ICU. A median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 119 [50-730] kcal was provided as propofol per patient-day. Proportion of energy provided by propofol as a percentage of total energy delivered was 55.4%, 15.4%, 9.3%, 7.9%, and 9.9% days 1-5, respectively. Patients administered propofol received a greater proportion of their total daily energy prescription compared with those who were not (P < .01). Proportion of energy provided as propofol was not significantly different based on hospital mortality (P = .62), duration of MV (P = .50), or ICU LOS (P = .15).

CONCLUSION

Propofol contributes to overall energy intake on days 1-5 of ICU admission. Energy balance was higher in those receiving propofol. No association was found between the proportion of energy delivered as propofol and outcomes.