Analgosedation is usually given to critically ill patients admitted in ICU. Fentanyl is the
most common agent used for this purpose. For sedative agent, midazolam and propofol are
commonly administered. However, too much sedation is apparently associated with increased
duration of mechanical ventilation, prolonged ICU stay, and increased mortality.
In mechanically ventilated patients, mechanical power is the respiratory mechanic that can
predict clinical outcomes including mortality in both ARDS and non-ARDS patients. Previous
study demonstrated that sedating mechanically ventilated patients with propofol could
decreased mechanical power. This was possibly associated with improved clinical outcomes in
these patients.
At present, there is no clinical study investigating effects of inhalation sedation on
mechanical power and clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients.