The purpose of this study is to determine dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics during continuous renal replacement therapy on critically ill patients.

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist with sedative properties indicated for sedation of patients in the intensive care setting. ICU patients with acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapies frequently have changes in volume status causing alterations in drug pharmacokinetics. Although dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics have been studied earlier on ICU patients, there is no information on its pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients needing continuous renal replacement therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18
• Clinical need for sedation
• Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (according to ICUs standard operating procedures)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe bradycardia (HR < 50/min)
• AV conduction block II-III (unless pacemaker installed)
• Severe hepatic impairment (bilirubin > 101 umol/l)
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Age < 18