Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Acute Brain Dysfunction

Although this study has limitations, its results support taking a closer look at this drug.

Acute brain dysfunction (ABD) often occurs in critically ill hospitalized patients and is an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay, greater neurologic dysfunction, and short-term mortality. Benzodiazepines, the most commonly used sedating drugs, potentiate risk for ABD by activating γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) central nervous system receptors.

In the partially industry-supported, double-blind MEND (Maximizing Efficacy of targeted sedation and reducing Neurological Dysfunction) study, U.S. researchers compared a novel sedative analgesic medication, dexmedetomidine (Precedex; a highly selective α₂-adrenergic–receptor agonist), with a currently recommended agent, lorazepam, in 106 mechanically ventilated adult patients from two t…

Reviewing Author

Sylvia C. W. McKean, MD, FACP