ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Ketamine for Analgosedation in Mechanically Ventilated Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial
Primary result · Hourly opioid dose in fentanyl equivalentsResult — go to the resultMedian difference −13.0 95% CrI −26.6 to 2.4Authors' conclusion
Low-dose ketamine infusion appeared safe and was associated with a reduction in hourly opioid requirements in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
Study context
- Population
- Mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients receiving opioid infusion for analgosedation (excluding cardiac surgical patients)included for primary analysis
- Participants
- 120 participants
- Comparison
- Low-dose ketamine infusion vs placebo
- Ketaminen = 59
- Placebon = 61reference
- Primary endpoint
- Hourly dose of opioids (fentanyl equivalents)
Methodological detailsprospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-centre, Two university-affiliated ICUs in Melbourne, Australia, September 2022 to December 2024
- Prospective
- Double-blind
- Placebo-controlled
- Two-centre
- Two university-affiliated ICUs in Melbourne, Australia, September 2022 to December 2024
Primary result
Hourly opioid dose in fentanyl equivalents
Median difference
−13.0
95% CrI −26.6 to 2.4
By group
Ketamine vs Placebo
median difference −13.0 (95% CrI −26.6 to 2.4)
As reported in the abstract
Secondary outcomes
Most secondary outcomes, incl. delirium
- No differences between groups for most secondary outcomes, including delirium
Safety
Significant adverse events
- No differences between groups
Original publication
Ketamine for Analgosedation in Mechanically Ventilated Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial. Crit Care Med. Published 7 September 2026. doi:10.
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