Benzodiazepine sedatives linked to higher rates of mortality compared to propofol

Sedation is frequently required for mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients to reduce anxiety, provide comfort, and assist in providing optimal respiratory support. It is estimated that each year, there are nearly 1 million U.S. patients treated with a continuous, intravenous sedative in an ICU setting.

A University of Utah study shows for the first time that continuous infusion benzodiazepines