Comparison of Midazolam and Propofol for Sedation in ICU Patients

Objective: Our purpose was to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of continuous infusion of midazolam and propofol in ICU patients with trauma. Methods: Fourty-six patients with mechanically ventilated trauma were randomly divided into 2 groups: midazolam group (n=23) and propofol group (n=23). All patients received continuous infusion of midazolam or propofol for sedation. The index of ideal level of sedation was from 2 to 5 (including 2) on the Ramsay scale. We measured the time from onset to adequate sedation and from discontinuation to wake-up, the efficacy of sedation, the mean infusion rate, and sedation costs. Results: The time from onset to adequate sedation and from discontinuation to wake-up in midazolam group were longer than that of propofol group, but the efficacy in midazolam group was better and the sedation costs was lower. Conclusion: Both midazolam and propofol can be safely and effectively used in ICU patients for sedation. The sedation induced by midazolam was more difficult to be controlled than that by propofol, but the efficacy was better and cost was lower.