Publication:

Comparative study of efficacy of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation in intensive care unit

Background Sedation is a crucial requirement for all patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). It enhances patient comfort, aids in reducing anxiety, stabilizes vital signs and shortens the discharge from the ICU.

Methods A total of 60 patients randomized into group D and group P of 30 each. Group D received 1 mcg/kg/10min dexmedetomidine as loading dose and 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hour as maintenance dose. Group P received 1mg/kg propofol as loading dose followed by an infusion of 25-75 mcg/kg/hr as maintenance dose. Patient’s heart rate (HR), blood pressure, Ramsay sedation score (RSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were monitored and recorded all through the ICU stay.

Results Study shows that, there was no significant difference with regard to age, sex, weight in both the groups. The mean HR at various time intervals did not show statistical significance; however, the reduction in HR was more in group D compared to group P. We found that the differences in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at different time intervals were not statistically significant. In overall group D showed significantly higher (p<0.0001) RSS score after 1 hour, 2 hours, 6hours after sedation compared to group P. Furthermore, the mean VAS score was significantly lower in the group D compared to the group P.

Conclusions Dexmedetomidine has been identified as a superior option for sedation in the intensive care unit when compared to propofol.