Opioids in ICU – Outcome of regular IV opioids in mechanically ventilated ICU patients

Lay Description

This study looks back (retrospectively) at medical records from 1,600 adult patients who were on breathing machines (mechanical ventilation) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The goal is to understand why opioids (strong painkillers) were given and how their use relates to patient factors like age, existing health conditions, and how sick they were when they arrived in the ICU.

The study will explore how the regular use of opioids in the ICU affects important outcomes such as:

• How long it takes for patients to be taken off the breathing machine (extubation)

• How often patients experience delirium (confusion)

• How often patients become constipated

• How long patients stay in the ICU and in the hospital

• The risk of dying during their hospital stay

The analysis will take into account each patient’s individual characteristics to better understand these relationships.

Public Benefit Statement

Opioids are strong pain-relieving medicines that are usually given through a drip into a vein (intravenously). They are the main treatment for pain and are used very often in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). However, most of the research guiding how opioids are used in ICUs is outdated or limited. We also know that using IV opioids can lead to serious side effects, such as constipation and confusion (delirium).

Because of this, it’s important to understand whether the current routine use of IV opioids in ICU patients—especially those on breathing machines—is appropriate, and how this use might affect patient outcomes. Learning more about this will help improve how we treat pain in the ICU in the future.