Efficiency of a mechanical device in controlling tracheal cuff pressure in intubated critically ill patients: a randomized controlled study

Table 1 Patient characteristics during the 48 h following randomization

Variables	Continuous control of P _cuff	Routine care	p values
Variables	n = 18	n = 18	p values
SOFA score	8.8 ± 3.4	9 ± 3.7	0.458
Sedation	14 (77)	14 (77)	>0.999
Neuromuscular-blocking agent use	1 (5)	0 (0)	>0.999
Glasgow coma score^a	7.5 ± 3	9 ± 3.7	0.137
PEEP	6.7 ± 1.9	6.6 ± 1.9	0.157

Data are frequencies (%) or mean ± SD
SOFA sequential organ failure assessment, PEEP positive end-expiratory pressure
^aThe verbal response was evaluated as in intubated patients: 1 no answer, 2 seems able to give simple responses, and 5 seems able to speak