A Protocol Mandating a Daily Interruption of Sedatives and Spontaneous Breathing Trial Improves Patient Outcome

Abstract

In critically ill, mechanically ventilated, non-surgical patients, a protocol pairing daily mandatory sedation breaks (spontaneous awakening trials – SAT) with spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) results in earlier extubation, shorter ICU stay, shorter hospital stay and lower mortality at one year (NNT=7) compared to standard care.

Level of evidence: 1⁺⁺ (RCT with a low risk of bias)