Does Propofol Sedation Contribute to Overall Energy Provision in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults? A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Propofol sedation is common in critically ill patients, providing energy of 1.1 kcal/mL when administered as a 1% solution. We aimed to determine the proportion of energy administered as propofol on days 1–5 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and any association with outcomes. Methods: Retrospective observational study in a quaternary ICU from January–December 2012. Inclusion criteria were length of stay (LOS) ≥5 days, age ≥18 years, and provision of mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥5 days. Outcome measures included proportion of total daily energy provided as propofol, overall energy balance, hospital mortality, duration of MV, and ICU LOS. Results: Data from 370 patients were analyzed, 87.8% (n = 325) of whom received propofol during days 1–5 in ICU. A median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 119 [50–730] kcal was provided as propofol per patient-day. Proportion of energy provided by propofol as a percentage of total energy delivered was 55.4%, 15.4%, 9.3%, 7.9%, and 9.9% days 1–5, respectively. Patients administered propofol received a greater proportion of their total daily energy prescription compared with those who were not (P <.01). Proportion of energy provided as propofol was not significantly different based on hospital mortality (P =.62), duration of MV (P =.50), or ICU LOS (P =.15). Conclusion: Propofol contributes to overall energy intake on days 1–5 of ICU admission. Energy balance was higher in those receiving propofol. No association was found between the proportion of energy delivered as propofol and outcomes.