Slow enrollment along with new competing studies, investigators decided to stop study

The purpose of this research is to compare patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage on dexmedetomidine compared to propofol to assess if one group has decreased inflammation. The investigators hypothesis is that the group assigned to receive dexmedetomidine will have a more profound decrease in markers of inflammation over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
• World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade 4-5 (see table below)
• Surgical intervention with clip or coil
• Placement of cerebrospinal fluid drain (lumbar or ventricular)
• Mechanically ventilated at start of infusion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemodynamic instability (SBP < 100, HR <60, or on continuous infusion of catecholamines) at screening
• Heart failure class III or IV (New York Heart Association)
• Renal failure (RIFLE classification - see table below)
• Liver failure (serum protein < 3 g/dL and total bilirubin > 5 mg/dL)
• Known or suspected brain death
• Pregnancy
• Unable to receive dexmedetomidine within 48 hours of injury and 4 hours of surgery
• Allergy to dexmedetomidine
• Prisoners