Which sedative is safer for emergency intubation? large trial seeks answers

NCT ID NCT05277896

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compared two common sedatives, ketamine and etomidate, used when critically ill adults need a breathing tube placed in an emergency. About 2,367 patients took part to see which drug leads to fewer deaths and heart problems. The goal is to find the safer option for this high-risk procedure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ketamine and etomidate
What this could lead to: If one sedative is clearly better, it could become the standard choice for emergency intubations, potentially saving lives.
What could go wrong: This is a completed Phase 4 trial, but results may not apply to all patients or settings. Both drugs have known risks like low blood pressure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory failure Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Denver Health Medical Center

Denver, Colorado, 80204, United States
Hennepin County Medical Center

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415, United States
UAB Hospital

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
University of Colorado Denver

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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