Use of intravenous infusion sedation among mechanically ventilated patients in the United States*

51.5% of mechanically ventilated patients in U.S. intensive care units received intravenous infusion sedation from 2001 to 2007.

• The use of intravenous infusion sedation among mechanically ventilated patients increased significantly from 39.7% in 2001 to 66.7% in 2007.
• Propofol was administered to 82.2% of patients receiving intravenous infusion sedation, while benzodiazepines were used in 31.1% and dexmedetomidine in 4.0%.
• 66.2% of patients who received sedation were treated solely with propofol, and 16.2% were treated only with benzodiazepines.
• Patients mechanically ventilated for more than 96 hours were more likely to receive propofol infusions.
• Intravenous narcotics were more commonly used in conjunction with benzodiazepines (70.1%) compared to propofol (23.9%).

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