Comparison between Dexmedetomidine and Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Patients

Abstract Background Critically ill patients are submitted to several interventions that can lead to distress and pain, like endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and central venous and arterial catheterization. Indeed, pain is one of the most common memories from patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and can lead to agitation and its consequences, as accidental extubation, and removal of intravascular devices. Accordingly, one of the most used drugs for patients in the ICU are sedatives and analgesics Objectives The aim of the study is to compare dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients according to vital data and laboratory findings during sedation to figure out efficacy and safety profiles between both drugs in sedation, weaning and facilitating extubation in intensive care unit Patients and Methods This study was performed on 40 patients divided into 2 groups equally one group received propofol and the other group received dexmedetomidine as a sedative during mechanical ventilation. We collected vital and heamodynamics data and laboratory findings during the time of sedation in ICU. Results All the 40 patients completed the study. The demographic profiles of both the groups were comparable. These groups were also comparable with respect to baseline vital parameters and baseline investigations. The study groups included both surgical and medical patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the two patient groups with respect to age, weight, gender and APACHE II score. Conclusion This study evaluated dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in mechanicaly ventilated patients in ICU. We conclude that adequate level of sedation can be achieved by both dexmedetomidine and propofol