Effects of Sedation Depth on Mechanical Ventilation, Delirium, and Recovery: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Anna Millizia Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Malikussaleh
  • Mumya Camary Departement of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Arun Hospital
  • Muhammad Bayu Rizaldy Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Malikussaleh
  • Yuziani Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Malikussaleh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29103/averrous.v12i1.26362

Keywords:

Delirium, intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, mortality, patient recovery, sedation depth

Abstract

Sedation is an essential component of intensive care unit (ICU) management; however, excessive sedation may
adversely affect clinical outcomes. This systematic review evaluated the association between sedation depth and
clinical outcomes in adult ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation. A literature search was conducted
according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies
published between 2010 and 2023 assessing sedation depth with validated instruments in mechanically ventilated
adults were included. Twelve studies involving more than 7,000 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most studies
reported that deep sedation, particularly during the first 48 hours of ICU admission, was associated with higher
mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased delirium incidence, and poorer long-term cognitive and
functional outcomes. In contrast, light sedation strategies combined with regular assessment, sedation interruption,
and multimodal analgesia were associated with reduced delirium risk, shorter ventilation duration, and improved
recovery. Current evidence suggests that sedation depth significantly influences outcomes in critically ill patients.
Light sedation should be considered whenever clinically appropriate, while further studies are needed to evaluate
long-term recovery and develop individualized sedation approaches.

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Published

2026-05-27

Issue

Averrous, Volume 12 No.1 Mei 2026

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Anna Millizia; Mumya Camary, Muhammad Bayu Rizaldy; Yuziani

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