Procedural sedation in emergency departments: Efficacy and adverse outcomes from a systematic review and meta-analysis

The results of this meta-analysis shed light on the adverse effects of various procedural sedation agents used for different procedures in the ED. Ketamine-propofol combinations were associated with less hemodynamic instability, whereas propofol caused hypotension and respiratory events and GI disturbances were associated with the administration of fentanyl and ketamine. Thus, individual patient factors such as age and comorbidities and the risk profile of different agents should be considered during procedural sedation protocols. This meta-analysis summarizes the side effects of several drugs to help physicians administer them safely.