Dexmedetomedine versus Standard Sedatives in Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

edation in the intensive care unit Patients is assumed to reduce discomfort from care interventions, increase tolerance of mechanical ventilation, prevent accidental removal of instrumentation, and reduce metabolic demands during cardiovascular and respiratory instability. Long-term sedation may have serious adverse effects, such as prolonged mechanical ventilation, coma, delirium, delusional memories and posttraumatic stress disorder, impaired cognitive function, prolonged hospitalization, increased costs, and mortality. Daily sedation stops, sedation protocols, spontaneous breathing trials and early mobilization may help reduce these complications. Optimal sedation strategy in the critically ill should achieve effective analgesia, targeted sedation and reduced risk of delirium and agitation. Decreasing the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the ICU can have a significant effect not only on the recovery period of a patient but also financially. Studies have confirmed that agitation can have a deleterious effect on patients by contributing to ventilator dysynchrony and an increase in oxygen consumption, situations that can lengthen the duration of mechanical ventilation. The use of sedatives is essential in the ICU.