Highlights
- Inhaled isoflurane matched intravenous midazolam for sedation efficacy in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children (ages 3-17).
- Isoflurane use resulted in significantly lower opioid requirements and shorter time to extubation compared to midazolam.
- The safety profile of isoflurane was acceptable, with no treatment-related deaths in the multicenter trial.
- Supported by trial evidence and EMA guidance, inhaled isoflurane is now a viable sedative option in pediatric intensive care.
Clinical Background and Disease Burden
