Ketamine or Etomidate for Tracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation, observational studies suggest that the use of etomidate to induce anesthesia may increase the risk of death. Whether the use of ketamine rather than etomidate decreases the risk of death is uncertain.

Methods

In a randomized trial conducted in 14 emergency departments and intensive care units in the United States, we randomly assigned critically ill adults who were undergoing tracheal intubation to receive ketamine or etomidate for the induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was in-hospital death from any cause by day 28. The secondary outcome was cardiovascular collapse during intubation, defined by the occurrence of a systolic blood pressure below 65 mm Hg, receipt of a new or increased dose of vasop

SUBMITTER: Casey JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711137 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature