Continuous monitoring of depth of sedation by EEG spectral analysis in patients requiring mechanical ventilation

Twenty-three patients undergoing intensive therapy had continuous EEG recording in an attempt to assess depth of sedation using spectral analysis. Median power frequency (MPF) and spectral edge frequency (SEF) were calculated and correlated with the clinical sedation score and blood concentration of sedative drug. Fifteen patients received isoflurane and eight midazolam. There was no correlation between MPF or SEF and sedation score or blood concentration of drug. These results suggest that no simple measure of the EEG is likely to correlate with depth of sedation in critically ill patients.