Protocolized Sedation Provided No Benefit for Ventilated Children with Respiratory Failure

Use of a standardized sedation protocol did not alter duration of mechanical ventilation or respiratory outcomes in PICU patients.

Despite evidence that standardized sedation protocols improve clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated adults, sedation practices vary in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). In a cluster-randomized trial at 31 U.S. PICUs, researchers evaluated outcomes among 2449 mechanically ventilated children (mean age, 4.7 years) randomized to either a standardized sedation titration protocol (using opioids, benzodiazepine, morphine, and midazolam) or routine sedation practices. Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, asthma, and acute respiratory distress accounted for most diagnoses.

The median duration of mechanical ventilation (the primary outcome) did not differ between groups (6.5 days). Similarly, there were no differences between groups in durations of…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Protocolized Sedation Provided No Benefit for Ventilated Children with Respiratory Failure

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Reviewing Author