Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients Sedated with Intravenous Lormetazepam or Midazolam: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Pharmacokinetics of Enteral Lormetazepam in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients with COVID-19: An Adjunct Sedative Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, sedative prescriptions surged, leading to shortages of midazolam. This study investigates lormetazepam as an adjunct sedative alternative to midazolam for mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. We aimed to determine the clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of enterally administered lormetazepam and provide dosing recommendations.

METHODS

Critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled in April 2020. Lormetazepam 2 mg every 12 h was administered enterally. Blood samples were collected to quantify lormetazepam and its glucuronide. PK analysis was conducted using a one-compartment model with the Edsim++ KinPop plugin.

RESULTS

The primary PK parameters (means ± coefficient of variation [CV] %) for absorption constant (Ka), volume of distribution (Vd/F), and clearance (CL/F) were 6.4 h-1, 207 L/70 kg, and 14.5 L/h/kg0.75, respectively. Vd/F and CL/F median values were 2.64 L/kg and 2.53 mL/kg/min, respectively, with a half-life of 10.7 h. Lormetazepam's median ratio to its glucuronide was 11.5. Trough-guided dosing suggested alternatives of 0.92 mg three times daily, 1.62 mg twice daily, or 5.36 mg once daily.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to report a validated PK model for enterally administered lormetazepam as a sedative adjunct in critically ill adults on mechanical ventilation for ARDS and COVID-19. The model was internally validated using a bootstrap procedure. Adequate lormetazepam concentrations were achieved at prescribed doses, with no significant alterations in clearance or half-life. This population model may aid in dose optimization and sedation management for future intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Modern Sedation and Analgesia Strategies in Neurocritical Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with acute neurologic injury require a specialized approach to critical care, particularly with regard to sedation and analgesia. This article reviews the most recent advances in methodology, pharmacology, and best practices of sedation and analgesia for the neurocritical care population.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to established agents such as propofol and midazolam, dexmedetomidine and ketamine are two sedative agents that play an increasingly central role, as they have a favorable side effect profile on cerebral hemodynamics and rapid offset can facilitate repeated neurologic exams. Recent evidence suggests that dexmedetomidine is also an effective component when managing delirium. Combined analgo-sedation with low doses of short-acting opiates is a preferred sedation strategy to facilitate neurologic exams as well as patient-ventilator synchrony. Optimal care for patients in the neurocritical care population requires an adaptation of general ICU strategies that incorporates understanding of neurophysiology and the need for close neuromonitoring. Recent data continues to improve care tailored to this population.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome after Critical Illness: An Imperative for Effective Prevention

Over the last decades, the importance of intensive care has considerably increased [...].