Sedation in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: Sedation is an integral component of ICU managements of critically-ill patients. Sedatives are prescribed to 42-72% of patients admitted to ICU. Sedation is required in intensive care units to control anxiety and agitation. Agitation and pain result in an increase in stress hormones, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and blood glucose. Agitation can also endanger the patient and make therapeutic maneuvers more difficult. Aims: The purpose of this essay is to provide an overview of the pharmacology of commonly prescribed sedatives, and their complications. Methodology: Critical illness can be a frightening experience for a variety of reasons, and adequate sedation may reduce this. It plays a pivotal role in the care of the critically ill patient, and encompasses a wide spectrum of symptom control that will vary between patients, and among individuals throughout the course of their illnesses. Conclusion: Sedation protocols should be standard in every critical care, and followed by nursing and medical staff. Such protocols should be regularly updated. Titration of individual patients’ sedation throughout their ICU admission should reduce over-sedation and side-effects, and contribute to reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay. Keywords: Sedation, Intensive Care Unit, pharmacology, prescribed sedatives