MONTRÉAL (October 19, 2015)- Researchers from the University at Buffalo at The State University of New York examined the effects of pre-existing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on mechanically ventilated veterans during ICU hospitalization. This retrospective cohort study found that mechanically ventilated patients with PTSD had higher sedation requirements.
A group of adult patients with PTSD who were mechanically ventilated were compared with patients without PTSD, matched for age, sex, and severity of illness. Of the 1,569 patients that were identified, patients with PTSD had a longer duration of sedation with benzodiazepines (3.04 vs 2.43 days) and opiates (3.29 vs 2.47 days), and a higher mean daily dose of propofol. These results note the necessity to develop sedation regimens tailored to patients with PTSD, which could help improve their experience in the ICU. In addition to these findings, a trend toward increased ICU mortality rate in the PTSD group was also seen without a significant difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation.
"More than 10% of our VA ICU patients suffer from PTSD," said Dr. Jad Kebbe, University at Buffalo physician and lead researcher. "Their ICU care should incorporate proper awareness of their PTSD, with particular attention to their sedation regimen."
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Further results will be shared during CHEST 2015 on Tuesday, October 27, at 12:15 pm at Palais des congrès de Montréal, room 524c. The study abstract can be viewed on the CHEST website.
CHEST 2015 is the 81st annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 24-28, 2015, in Montréal, Canada. The American College of Chest Physicians, publisher of the journal CHEST, is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST 2015, visit http://chestmeeting.chestnet.org, or follow the CHEST meeting hashtag, #CHEST2015, on social media.