Although the use of ketamine in critically ill mechanically ventilated adult trauma patients was associated with decreased opioid use, it was also associated with increased use of dexmedetomidine and ziprasidone to achieve and maintain sedation. Further examination of clinical outcomes associated with these differences in drug use in a larger population of trauma patients is warranted before routine use of ketamine for analgesia and sedation can be recommended.
Higher doses of dexmedetomidine may result in higher incidence of hypotension, longer LOS, and increased concomitant analgesic, sedative, and antipsychotic use, requiring further evaluation in trauma patients.
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