Etomidate Induction Does Not Increase Mortality in Septic Patients

Neither mortality nor hospital length of stay differed between septic patients who received etomidate and those who received other agents for rapid sequence intubation.

Controversy has developed regarding whether a single dose of etomidate used during rapid sequence intubation in septic patients increases the risk for mortality, possibly related to adrenal suppression caused by the drug (JW Emerg Med Sep 21 2007). In a prospective observational study, researchers compared mortality rates and hospital length of stays between 74 adult patients with sepsis who received etomidate and 32 adult sepsis patients who received other or no induction agents for rapid sequence intubation at a single emergency department during a 9-month period.

Demographics, illness severity, and sepsis treatments were similar between patients who received etomidate and those who received other or no induction agents. No statistically s…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)