Background: Agitation is associated with failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). We investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine in patients with NIV.
Methods: This was a prospective clinical investigation in an intensive care unit. Dexmedetomidine was infused in 10 patients in whom NIV was difficult because of agitation.
Results: Ramsay and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores were maintained at 2.94 +/- 0.94 and -1.23 +/- 1.30, respectively. All patients were successfully weaned from NIV, and the respiratory state was not worsened.
Conclusion: This study shows that dexmedetomidine is an effective sedative drug for patients with NIV.