title: The role of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine in postsurgical sedation in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Dexmedetomidine was evaluated for sedation of 401 post-surgical patients in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Dexmedetomidine or saline was started on arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU) (1.0 mcg/kg for 10 minutes), then titrated at 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/h to effect. Patients could be given propofol if necessary. Morphine was administered for pain. Sixty percent of the dexmedetomidine patients required no other sedative to maintain an RSS > or = 3; 21% required < 50 mg propofol. In contrast, 76% of the control group received propofol; 59% required > or = 50 mg. Dexmedetomidine patients required significantly less morphine for pain relief (P <.001). Continuously given throughout the ICU stay, dexmedetomidine had no effect on respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, duration of weaning, or times to extubation. Nurses judged the dexmedetomidine patients were easier to manage. Later, fewer dexmedetomidine patients remembered pain or discomfort. The majority of dexmedetomidine patients maintained blood pressures within normal range, without rebound. Hypertension, atelectasis, and rigors occurred more frequently in the control group, while hypotension and bradycardia occurred more frequently in the dexmedetomidine group. Preoperative cardiovascular conditions were not risk factors for dexmedetomidine patients.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anaesthesiologie Universitatskliniken, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Eike
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ramsay
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mantz
authors.forename: S T John
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Sum-Ping
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D015742:Propofol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D015300:Ventilator Weaning
chemical_list: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D015742:Propofol