Comparison of dexmedetomidine versus propofol on hemodynamics in surgical critically ill patients

Background: Sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol may cause hypotension or bradycardia. This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients after major abdominal surgery. Materials and methods: Enrolled patients were randomly allocated to the dexmedetomidine or propofol group. Cardiac index was measured using a continuous noninvasive cardiac output monitor on the basis of chest bioreactance. Heart rate, blood pressure, opioid requirement, urine output, delirium incidence, ICU length of stay, and total hospital length of stay were compared between the two groups. The incidences of bradycardia, hypotension, and severe low cardiac index were compared. Results: We enrolled 60 patients. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the propofol group. Cardiac index did not differ significantly between the two groups (dexmedetomidine group 3.1 L/min/m², [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 2.8-3.3] versus propofol group 3.2 L/min/m² [95% CI 2.9-3.5], P = 0.578). The incidences of bradycardia, hypotension, and severe low cardiac index did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Cardiac index did not differ significantly between the dexmedetomidine and propofol groups in surgical ICU patients after major abdominal surgery.