Table 1

Clinical characteristics of the patients included

Characteristic
Group 1 (n = 15)
Group 2 (n = 15)

Age (years)
48.2 ± 6.4
51.1 ± 5.3
Weight (kg)
62.3 ± 8.55
64.5 ± 7.8
APACHE II score
12.3 ± 4.3
13.4 ± 4.6
Death (n)
4
4
Aetiology (n)


     Medical
4
5
     General surgical
6
4
     Trauma
5
6

There were no significant differences between groups. Group 1 received sufentanil infusion alone, whereas group 2 received sufentanil plus magnesium sulphate. Unless otherwise stated, values are expressed as means ± standard deviation. APACHE, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation.

Memiş et al. Critical Care 2003 7:R123   doi:10.1186/cc2365