Outcomes of Sedative Hypnotic Agents Used for Endotracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review with Exploratory Meta-Analysis.
Journal of intensive care medicine May 14, 2025 Nathan J Smischney, George Williams, Craig S Jabaley et al. 2 citations
Among critically ill adults undergoing endotracheal intubation, acute cardiovascular dysfunction (hemodynamic instability or cardiac arrest) occurred at similar rates with etomidate and ketamine but was more frequent with propofol than with non-propofol sedation. Exploratory meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between etomidate and ketamine (odds ratio 1.05) or between etomidate and propofol (odds ratio 0.91). However, etomidate was associated with lower survival to hospital discharge compared to ketamine (odds ratio 0.76). Limited data for other outcomes such as acute kidney injury, delirium, or length of stay revealed no clear differences among the sedative agents.