Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Adults with Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Background Sedation is used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to enhance patient comfort and safety, facilitate mechanical ventilation and reduce oxygen demands. Side effects may include prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Although sedation protocols and daily sedation stops may reduce excessive sedation due to drug accumulation and shorten ICU stay, the management of long-term sedation with traditional sedatives remains problematic Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in mechanically ventilated adult patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU). Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate differences in sedation quality, duration of mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic stability, incidence of delirium, and overall patient outcomes between the two sedation regimens. Subjects and Methods Randomized clinical study aiming to determine the more effective sedative between dexmedetomidine and propofol in mechanically ventilated adults with sepsis was conducted on mechanically ventilated adults with sepsis at Ain shams university hospitals. Results There was no statistically significant difference between studied groups regarding HR and SBP before and after anesthesia, while there was statistically significant increase in DBP after anesthesia. there was no statistically significant difference between studied groups regarding days of vasopressor infusion, incidence of delirium and mortality, while there was statistically significant difference between studied groups regarding days of mechanical ventilation and days of ICU stay. Conclusion We concluded from the current study that dexmedetomidine and propofol provide similar responses to amnesia and pain control. Outcomes in patients who received dexmedetomidine did not differ from outcomes in those who received propofol. However, days of mechanical ventilation and days of ICU stay were more increased in propofol group.