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Safety and effectiveness of inhaled sedation in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fang Feng, Huaxiong Kang, Zhaohui Yang, Li Ma, Yu Chen

Systematic Reviews, 2025

1,185 participants · 11 citations

Abstract

Sedation is a landmark treatment in the intensive care unit; however, the disadvantages of intravenous sedative drugs are increasingly prominent. Volatile sedation is becoming increasingly popular in ICUs due to fewer technical issues with the development of anaesthesia reflectors. To explore the safety and effectiveness of inhaled sedation in critically ill patients. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for all randomized trials comparing awakening and extubation times, ICU length of stay, and side effects of different inhaled sedative drugs using an anaesthetic-conserving device (ACD) with intravenous sedation. The inclusion criteria were formulated in accordance with the PICOS: P, use of sedatives after admission to the ICU, aged > 18 years; I, intravenous sedatives; C, use of volatile sedatives (heptafluoride, sevoflurane, isoflurane, or desflurane) by AnaConDa or Mirus reflector; O, at least one primary outcome (awakening time, extubation time, ICU length of stay) or secondary outcome (postoperative nausea and vomiting, PONV) or incidence of delirium was reported; and S, RCT. The extubation time was defined as time from ICU admission to extubation. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and literature quality evaluation and reached a consensus after cross-checking. Fifteen trials with a total of 1185 patients were included, including 568 in the inhaled sedation group and 617 in the intravenous sedation…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,185 participants or records.

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