Effects of dexmedetomidine on the inflammatory factors in sepsis patients under mechanical ventilation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on the inflammatory factors in sepsis patients under mechanical ventilation. Methods A total of 60 sepsis patients under mechanical ventilation were enrolled. They were randomly divided into a dexmedetomidine group and a propofol group (n=30), and treated with dexmedetomidine or propofol to maintain a range of -2 to 0 of Richmond Agitation-Sedation Score (RASS). Then, blood samples were taken and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected before (T0), 24 h (T1), 48 h (T2), and 72 h (T3) after treatment. Both groups were compared for the score of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) on Days 5 and 10 after sedation. Meanwhile, the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups were calculated. Results There were no significant differences in gender, age, SOFA score, APACHEⅡ score between the two groups (P>0.05). Before treatment, the levels of IL-6, PCT and CRP were abnormally increased, which were remarkable decreased after treatment (P 0.05). Conclusions Dex and propofol have good anti-inflammatory effects on sepsis patients under mechanical ventilation. Dex has stronger anti-inflammatory effect and rare adverse reactions. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Propofol; Sepsis; Inflammatory factor