Baclofen Decreases Agitation but Prolongs Intubation in Patients with Unhealthy Alcohol Use

Critically ill patients with unhealthy alcohol use are at excess risk for agitation and delirium. Agitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) can result in self-extubation, removal of catheters, and other adverse events. A growing body of literature suggests that baclofen can help mitigate alcohol craving. Could treatment with baclofen help minimize agitation and prevent agitation-related events in the ICU?

Investigators from France randomized 314 patients with unhealthy alcohol use and respiratory failure who required mechanical ventilation to receive baclofen (50–150 mg daily) or placebo. All other sedation was guided by protocol and was targeted toward light sedation. Patients were assessed for alcohol withdrawal with the Clinical Institut…