Dexmedetomidine Versus Midazolam for Intensive Care Sedation of Children

A Prospective, Double-blind Study of Dexmedetomidine Versus Midazolam for Intensive Care Sedation of Children

Dexmedetomidine will be tested against midazolam in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study of intensive care children, age 2-17 years.

The investigators' primary hypothesis is that time from end of medication to extubation will be shorter with dexmedetomidine sedation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed consent from parents
• age between 2 and 18 years
• anticipated need of respirator treatment for more than 24 hrs
• included in study within 48 hrs of admission to intensive care unit (ICU)

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe, unstable circulatory failure
• severe intracranial or spinal trauma with circulatory instability
• sever bradycardia or atrioventricular (A-V) block
• liver failure
• less than 50% chance of anticipated survival
• known allergy to study drugs