Effects of adding low-dose ketamine to etomidate on serum cortisol levels in critically ill cardiac patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Etomidate was associated with an inhibition of adrenal steroid synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding low-dose ketamine to etomidate to minimize the decrease in serum cortisol level in critically ill cardiac patients.

Methods: Sixty adult cardiac patients, ≥ 18 years, who underwent upper endoscopy and Colonoscopy to manage acute anemia in the cardiac intensive care units were enrolled.