UAB Study Compares Ketamine and Etomidate for Intubation Sedation in Critical Patients

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are actively engaging in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of sedation medications, ketamine, and etomidate, for patients undergoing intubation in critical care settings.

The study, known as the UAB Intubation Sedation Trial, led by Sheetal Gandotra, M.D., and Derek Russell, M.D., aims to shed light on the optimal sedative choice concerning blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart function during intubations.

Observing the two commonly used sedatives, ketamine and etomidate, medical professionals hope to identify the most suitable drug for patients requiring immediate intubation support.

Patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at UAB Hospital will receive either ketamine or etomidate based on the physician’s recommendation or random assignment if no preference is indicated. This random allocation ensures every patient receives fair consideration for each medication.

Given the critical state of patients necessitating intubation, obtaining informed consent may be challenging. In such cases, the study operates under an Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC), allowing research to proceed in life-threatening situations.

EFIC trials adhere to rigorous ethical standards and regulatory oversight, demonstrating potential direct benefits to unconscious or incapacitated patients under investigation. UAB researchers ensure compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) for the study.

To opt-out of participation proactively, individuals can request a non-participation bracelet by contacting the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine. This identifier alerts healthcare teams to the patient’s choice, even in situations where the individual cannot communicate their preference.

For more information on the UAB Intubation Sedation Trial and its implications for critical care sedation, visit the study website for details and updates.