Propofol and remifentanil versus midazolam and fentanyl for sedation during therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest: a randomised trial

Purpose

To compare two protocols for sedation and analgesia during therapeutic hypothermia: midazolam and fentanyl versus propofol and remifentanil. The primary outcome was the time from discontinuation of infusions to extubation or decision not to extubate (offset time). Secondary outcomes were blood pressure, heart rate, use of vasopressors and inotropic drugs, pneumonia and neurological outcome.

Methods

This was an open, randomised, controlled trial on 59 patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia (33–34?°C for 24?h) after cardiac arrest in two Norwegian university hospitals between April 2008 and May 2009. The intervention was random allocation to sedation and analgesia with propofol/remifentanil or midazolam/fentanyl.

Results

Twenty-nine patients received propofol and remifentanil, and 30 midazolam and fentanyl. Baseline characteristics were similar. Sedation and analgesia were stopped in 35 patients, and extubation was performed in 17?of these. Sedation had to be continued for 24 patients. Time to offset was significantly lower in patients given propofol and remifentanil mean (95?% confidence intervals) 13.2 (2.3–24) vs. 36.8 (28.5–45.1)?h, respectively, p?p?=?0.003). Incidence of pneumonia and 3-month neurological outcome were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Time to offset was significantly shorter in patients treated with propofol and remifentanil. However, the clinical course in 40?% of patients prevented discontinuation of sedation and potential benefits from a faster recovery. The propofol and remifentanil group required norepinephrine twice as often, but both protocols were tolerated in most patients.