Abstract
Introduction: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that can be used for sedation of non-intubated patients in intensive care. Objectives: The goal of the study was to evaluate DEX as conservative therapy for pain relief, blood pressure control and comfort in patients with acute aortic dissection. Methods: The subjects were 14 patients with acute aortic dissection who underwent conservative therapy in the ICU of our hospital from January 2010 to February 2012. Use of supplemental drugs and intratracheal intubation for analgesia, sedation, blood pressure control and pulse control was evaluated retrospectively. Results: DEX was administered at doses of 0.07-0.79μg/kg/hr for a mean period of 132±56 hr in combination with nicardipine (0.008-0.14 mg/kg/hr) in 14 patients, landiolol in 5, fentanyl in 9, and nitroglycerin in 3 patients. Haloperidol and risperidone were used to maintain sleep at night in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. All patients were treated without intratracheal intubation. Conclusions: DEX was effective as conservative therapy for patients with acute aortic dissection.
