ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Cost-Effectiveness of α2 Agonists for Intravenous Sedation in Patients With Critical Illness
Authors' conclusion
In this study, dexmedetomidine-, clonidine-, and propofol-based IV sedation in patients with critical illness receiving mechanical ventilation had similar costs and QALYs.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with critical illness receiving mechanical ventilation, anticipated ≥2 days of ventilation, 41 UK ICUs
- Participants
- 1,404 adults
- Comparison
- Dexmedetomidine- or clonidine-based vs propofol-based intravenous (IV) sedation
- Primary endpoint
- Incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained (dexmedetomidine vs propofol, clonidine vs propofol); mean net monetary benefits
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Methodological details6-month time horizon, UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective, individual-level trial data, 41 ICUs, Recruitment December 2018 through October 2023; last follow-up December 10, 2023
- 6-month time horizon
- UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective
- Individual-level trial data
- 41 ICUs
- Recruitment December 2018 through October 2023; last follow-up December 10, 2023
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Incremental cost
Incremental cost
1273 $
95% CI -$5000 to $7545
Dexmedetomidine
Incremental cost
−1328 $
95% CI -$7114 to $4459
Clonidine
Further findings
| Outcome | Dexmedetomidine | Clonidine | Propofol | QALYs gained (QALYs) (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QALYs gainedDexmedetomidine vs Propofol | 0.0008 (−0.0198 to 0.0214) | |||
| QALYs gainedClonidine vs Propofol | −0.0019 (−0.0221 to 0.0181) | |||
| Mean net monetary benefit (willingness to pay $16 250 per QALY) | mean -$53 278 (95% CI -$58 063 to -$48 493) | mean -$50 882 (95% CI -$55 003 to -$46 762) | mean -$52 036 (95% CI -$56 230 to -$47 834) |
Original publication
Cost-Effectiveness of α2 Agonists for Intravenous Sedation in Patients With Critical Illness. JAMA Netw Open. Published 1 May 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →