Abstract
A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing dexmedetomidine to control sedation showed weak evidence that dexmedetomidine might reduce length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in certain critically ill patients, but the risk of bradycardia was significantly higher when using both a loading dose and high maintenance doses (>0.7 μg/kg/h). There was, however, a significant heterogeneity between trials reported.
Level of evidence: 1++ (Meta-analysis with a very low risk of bias)