This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of fentanyl versus dexmedetomidine infusion in this population.

Appropriate sedation and analgesia are essential components in the post-operative care of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), especially those who need mechanical ventilation.

Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. It is used frequently because of its ability to provide rapid analgesia. A single dose of fentanyl significantly reduced pain behaviors and changes in heart rate. It also increased the growth hormone level.

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist with significant sedative and analgesic effects. Some studies have investigated its role in adult and pediatric intensive care, as a primary sedative or a second line following failure of benzodiazepines or opioid sedation, as a bridge for extubation, for substance withdrawal, and to decrease intensive care unit (ICU) delirium.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 4 to 11 years.
• Both sexes.
• Children who required a minimum of 24 hrs of mechanical ventilation following open abdominal surgeries

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with significant congenital anomalies.
• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Neurologic conditions prohibiting sedation evaluation.
• Neuromuscular diseases.
• Those receiving neuromuscular blockers

The data will be available upon a reasonable request from the corresponding author after the end of study for one year.

After the end of study for one year.

The data will be available upon a reasonable request from the corresponding author.