PACULit Daily Literature Update: Evaluation of Etomidate Use and Association with Mortality Compared with Ketamine among Critically Ill Patients

Wunsch H, Bosch NA, Law AC, Vail EA, Hua M, Shen BH, Lindenauer PK, Juurlink DN, Walkey AJ, Gershengorn HB. Evaluation of Etomidate Use and Association with Mortality Compared with Ketamine among Critically Ill Patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 Nov 15;210(10):1243-1251. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202404-0813OC. | PMID: 39173173

This observational cohort study evaluated mortality outcomes in critically ill patients receiving etomidate compared to those given ketamine for induction. The study analyzed clinical data to assess if etomidate use is associated with increased mortality.

Key Learning Points

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  Etomidate use was not associated with higher 30-day mortality compared with ketamine among critically ill patients.
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  Choice of induction agent in critical illness should balance hemodynamic stability and patient-specific factors.