The effects of BIS monitoring on sedation in intensive care units

Introduction. Sedation in intensive care units (ICUs) is crucial, especially for patients on mechanical ventilation. Deep sedation is associated with longer ICU stays and more days on mechanical ventilation. Aim. The aim of our study was to determine whether sedation levels based on BIS monitoring lead to a lower total dose of sedatives, fewer days on invasive ventilation, shorter stays in the ICU, and to create a revised sedation protocol for our unit.Materials and Methods. A total of 80 sedated ICU patients were included. The control group consisted of 40 patients whose sedation levels were monitored using the RASS scale. The experimental group consisted of 40 patients whose sedation levels were monitored using BIS.Results. Patients whose sedation levels were monitored with BIS and adjusted accordingly spent less time on the ventilator, less time in the ICU, had shorter hospital stays, and experienced lower mortality.Conclusion. The results of our study are promising, but there is still a need for more studies on the role of BIS monitoring in sedation management in ICUs