Evaluation of neurological outcomes after prolonged sedation among ICU patients: A prospective study in India

Extended sedation in intensive care settings can produce neurological problems. Hence, this prospective study analyzed the neurological recovery of patients receiving continuous sedation (> 72 hours). Neurological function was evaluated at the time of ICU discharge and at three months to assess for any residual cognitive or functional impairment. Most patients appeared to recover completely and achieve their baseline pre-morbid function although a small number had mild persistent cognitive impairment. The data suggest that with continued vigilance after prolonged sedation greater than 72 hours there are generally no significant long-term neurological implications, which can be useful to render safer sedation methods in critical care medicine.