Efficacy and Safety of Remimazolam Besylate Versus Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study using remimazolam and propofol for sedation in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Subjects are randomized to remimazolam group and propofol group in a 1:1 ratio. Remifentanil is administered as the analgesic. Efficacy and safety profiles of remimazolam besylate are to be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 75 years;
• Intubated and mechanically ventilated ≤96 hours before enrollment；
• Expected to require continuous invasive ventilation and sedation ≥24 hours;
• Requirement for light to moderate sedation (a RASS score of -3 to 0).

Exclusion criteria

• Body mass index (BMI) <18 or >30 kg/m2;
• Acute severe neurological disorder and any other condition interfering with RASS assessment;
• Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg after appropriate intravenous volume replacement and continuous infusions of 2 vasopressors;
• Heart rate less than 50 beats/min;
• Second- or third-degree heart block in the absence of a pacemaker;
• Unstable angina;
• Acute myocardial infarction;
• Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%;
• Contraindicate or allergic to study drugs;
• Moribund state;
• Acute hepatitis or serious hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh class C);
• Chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Myasthenia gravis;
• Pregnancy or lactation.