Comparison between dexmedetomidine and propofol as sedatives for Sabah N. Al-Saad critically ill patients in intensive care units. Abstract: Background: Regarding using of sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU) should allow the patient to be more comfortable, calm, cooperative,and at the same time easily arousable without delay niether weaning nor prolonged mechanical ventilation. Objective: The aim of my study is to compare the effect of dexmeditomidine Versus propofol for sedation and

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... ynamic stability in critically ill patient. Patient and method: A randomized study of 44 patients admitted to ICU; 22 of them received dexmedetomidine and the other 22 patients received propofol for sedation.The level of consciousness, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and requirement for adjuvants to reach the target level of sedation were monitored for the first 12 hours. Result: By applying Null hypothesis it was found that dexmedetomidine was significantly effective when compared with propofol for sedation with p-value less than 0.001, while it was not significantly effective when compared with propofol plus adjuvant with p-value> 0.05. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is effective as a sole sedative agent with haemodynamic stability without the need to add any adjuvant to it, while propofol cause hypotension and bradycardia if used alone to reach our target level of sedation, but can be used with adjuvant to reach our target of sedation and haemodynamic stability. Introduction: Sedation is a state of reduced consciousness in which verbal contact with patients may be maintained.(1)the role of using sedation in the ICU allows for a comfortable quite cooperative patient, decreases the levels of anxiety and stress, reduces insomnia and the risk of awareness and the agitated movement during any stressful interventions, and normalizes metabolism and haemodynamics. (2) Although there are many scales for sedation assessment, Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) was selected because of it is more practical and applicable.(3) regarding feature of ideal sedative should provide a rapid onset of effect and a rapid recovery and should have a low propensity to accumulate, leaving no withdrawal effects meaning of any unwanted side effects. It should be easily treatable and should not compromise haemodynamic stability. (4) Presynaptic α2receptors interfere with release of norepinephrine and adenosine triphosphate through a negative feedback mechanism. (5) Receptors for α2 are found in the peripheral and central nervous systems, platelets, and a variety of organs. Physiologic responses mediated by α2 adrenoreceptors vary with location. (6) Dexmedetomidine It is a short-acting a2