Ketamine infusion for sedation in a patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Introduction: we sought to explore the efficacy of ketamine in a patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) receiving ketamine for sedation by investigating the utility of plasma ketamine concentrations. Case report: retrospective chart review of one critically ill patient on ECMO Discussion: This was a descriptive review of serial plasma ketamine concentrations in an ECMO patient. Although no reference plasma concentrations exist in ECMO patients, ketamine levels appeared to be lower than those seen in surgical patients not on ECMO. Conclusion: At this point, no reference plasma concentrations exist for ketamine in ECMO patients, further research may help understand the effects of ECMO on ketamine disposition and that lower ketamine concentrations may be used for effective analgesia or sedation.