Comparison of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation of eclampsia patients in intensive care unit

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation of eclampsia patients.Methods Forty eclampsia patients were admitted to our intensive care unit(ICU) from May 2010 to April 2011.Pregnancies of the patients were terminated via caesarean delivery under general anesthesia and ventilatory support was needed;they were randomly divided into two groups to receive either dexmedetomidine or propofol.The dexmedetomidine group(Group D,n=20) received a loading dose of 1 μg·kg-1·h-1 for 20 min,followed by continuous infusion at 0.3-0.7 μg·kg-1·h-1.The propofol group(Group P,n=20) received a loading dose of 1 mg/kg,followed by continuous infusion at 0.5-4.0 mg·kg-1·h-1.The heart rate,blood pressure,anti-hypertension drug dosage,fentanyl dosage and duration in ICU were compared between the 2 groups.Results Compared with Group P,the heart rate in Group D was significantly slower within 24h after operation(P0.05),and the heart rates were similar between the 2 groups during 24-72 h after operation(P0.05).Moreover,the demand for antihypertensive medicine,the demand for fentanyl,and duration of ICU stay were significantly less in Group D compared with those in Group P(P0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is safe and effective for the sedation of eclampsia patients,which can reduce the demand for antihypertensive medicine and fentanyl,and shorten the duration of ICU stay.