Continuous ketamine infusion for surgical patients in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with GRADE assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optimal pain and sedation management in intensive care unit (ICU) remains challenging. While opioids and benzodiazepines are widely used, their adverse effects highlight the need for alternative or adjunctive strategies. Ketamine, with its analgesic and opioid-sparing has been proposed as an adjuvant. However, current evidence regarding its efficacy in ICU patients, particularly within the surgical population, remains inconclusive. We evaluated whether continuous low-dose ketamine infusion in postoperative surgical ICU patients reduces opioid consumption and improves pain intensity, and whether it affects opioid-related adverse events and key ICU recovery outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) co

SUBMITTER: Alzmmam AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911331 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature