A study protocol for a multicentre, prospective, before-and-after trial evaluating the feasibility of implementing targeted SEDation after initiation of mechanical ventilation in the emergency department (The ED-SED Pilot Trial).

32–34 Two pilot trials, not powered for clinical endpoints, showed a trend of more delirium, ventilation time and lengths of stay associated with early deep sedation. 35 36 To collate the literature regarding early sedation and its potential impact on outcome, our research group conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, which demonstrated that early light sedation, compared with deep sedation, was associated with: (1) lower mortality; (2) less delirium; and (3) fewer ventilator days. 37 The ED could be a high-yield clinical arena in which to target sedation depth to improve outcome.

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