Dexmedetomidine versus usual care in adult patients with septic shock receiving vasopressors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
Dexmedetomidine may improve early organ dysfunction; however, evidence for long-term clinical benefits remains limited.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with septic shock receiving sedation
- Participants
- 702 adults · 8 RCTs
- Comparison
- Dexmedetomidine vs other sedatives
- Outcome
- Day-2 Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Dexmedetomidine vs Other sedatives: P = 0.009
- Dexmedetomidine vs Other sedatives: P = 0.004
Further pooled results
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Hospital LOSSignificantly increased | P = 0.01 |
| 28-day mortality · non-significant decrease | P = 0.08 |
| Duration of mechanical ventilationNon-significant decrease | P = 0.28 |
| ICU LOSNon-significant decrease | P = 0.74 |
| Delirium incidenceNon-significant decrease | P = 0.60 |
| Serum IL-6 · 24 hNon-significant decrease | P = 0.18 |
| Serum CRP · 24 hNon-significant decrease | P = 0.44 |
| Serum lactate · 24 hNon-significant decrease | P = 0.93 |
Safety
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Hypotension incidenceSignificantly increased | P = 0.04 |
| Bradycardia incidenceNon-significant decrease | P = 0.14 |
Original publication
Dexmedetomidine versus usual care in adult patients with septic shock receiving vasopressors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Eur J Anaesthesiol Intensive Care. Published 18 May 2026. doi:10.
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