ABSTRACT
sedation is central to the management of intensive care patients. The aim of this study was to establish the current sedation practice in Maghrebian intensive care units [ICUs]. The use of sedation policies with or without a written protocol. The use of scoring systems, the influence of costs on drug choice, the most common drugs for sedation and the use of neuromuscular blocking agents. A self-administered questionnaire composed of 20 items was sent to 138 intensivists in the Maghreb working in 25 teaching hospitals and 16 private clinics 50 of 138 questionnaires were returned [response rate = 36.2%]. Midazolam and Fentanyl were the sedative agents used [respectively 98% and 87%] less than 14% of the ICUs used the Propofol mainly in the first 48 hours. A sedation policy was adopted in 63.6% with a written protocol in 20% of cases. Sedation scoring systems were noted in 14.3% of cases [RAMSAY scale in 100%]. Economic aspect was important for 64.6% of ICUs. sedation may seem secondary in the initial management of intensive care patients,only 63% of our respondents had a sedation policy and 20% a written protocol though its use is thought to improve outcome and reduce costs. Economic aspect was important for the choice of the drug to use [64%], this may explain the preferential use of Midazolam 98% in association with an analgesic [Fentanyl: 85%] while Propofol is used only in 14% though pharmacoeconomic studies may be in fact in favor of the latter. Neuromuscular blocking agents are less frequently used [16%] mainly because of the risk of complications