Dexmedetomidine Addition to Benzodiazepines for Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal State in the ICU

The objective of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate whether DEX addition to benzodiazepine therapy is effective and safe for AWS patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Eligible participants were randomly assigned to intervention (D) and control (C) groups. In the group D DEX infusion was started in doses 0,2-1,4 μg/kg/hr and titrated to achieve target sedation level; symptom-triggered BZD administration (diazepam 10mg bolus) were used wherever DEX infusion was not enough. In group K BZD boluses (diazepam 10mg) were used to achieve target sedation level and to control AWS symptoms (symptom-triggered administration). The primary efficacy outcomes were 24-hour diazepam consumption and cumulative diazepam dose required over the course of ICU stay, secondary outcomes were length of ICU stay, sedation and communication quality, haloperidol consumption.