Remifentanil-propofol analgo-sedation shortens duration of ventilation and length of ICU stay compared to a conventional regimen: a centre randomised, cross-over, open-label study in the Netherlands

Median weaning time was reduced by 18.9 hours with a remifentanil-based regimen compared to conventional sedation.

• The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 3.9 days with remifentanil versus 5.1 days with conventional treatment, although this difference was not statistically significant.
• Patients receiving the remifentanil-based regimen were nearly twice as likely to be extubated and discharged from the ICU within the first 1-3 days.
• Propofol doses were reduced by 20% when using the remifentanil regimen.
• Sedation-agitation scores showed significant improvement with remifentanil (P < 0.0001).
• Intensivist and ICU nurse satisfaction was significantly higher with the remifentanil-based regimen (P < 0.0001).
• Other measured outcomes, including mean arterial pressure and heart rate, were comparable between the two treatment groups.

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