Is the bispectral index appropriate for monitoring the sedation level of mechanically ventilated surgical ICU patients?

Objective: To determine the value of the bispectral index (BIS) in assessing the depth of sedation in sedated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients, compared with clinical sedation scores.

Design And Setting: Prospective convenience sample in a 12-bed anesthesiological-surgical ICU of a university hospital.

Patients: 19 consecutive patients without any central neurological diseases requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h.