Sedation levels with dexmedetomidine versus midazolam in ventilated patients after surgery in intensive care

Patients treated with dexmedetomidine required a significantly smaller dose of fentanyl (0.23±0.13) compared to those treated with midazolam (0.41±0.12, P<0.01).

• Dexmedetomidine provided adequate sedation and allowed for easier arousal in post-operative patients on mechanical ventilation.
• The duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group (7.20±6.29 hours) compared to the midazolam group (12.44±8.96 hours, P<0.01).
• The incidence of hypotension was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (27.45%) compared to the midazolam group (11.22%, P<0.05).
• Bradycardia occurred more frequently in the dexmedetomidine group (24.51%) than in the midazolam group (10.20%, P<0.05).
• The rate of delirium was significantly lower in patients receiving dexmedetomidine (3.92%) compared to those receiving midazolam (31.63%, P<0.01).

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