The Effect of Dexmedetomidine Infusion vs. Morphine on Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in CABG: A Clinical Trial

Background: No single and ideal method has been proposed so far to decrease the time of mechanical ventilation while maintaining patients' hemodynamic stability after coronary bypass surgery. This study aimed to compare the effect of Dexmedetomidine and Morphine infusion on the latter parameters in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were divided into two groups (N=30): the first group receiving Morphine and the second group receiving Dexmedetomidine. At admission to the ICU in the first group, Morphine was injected at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg, and in the second group, Dexmedetomidine was injected at a dose of 1 ?g/kg for 10 minutes. Hemodynamic parameters and blood gas levels at preoperative cardiac care were compared between the two groups at the time of endotracheal tube withdrawal. Results: The trend of hemodynamic changes and blood gas levels during the intensive care unit stay did not differ between the two groups. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation in the Morphine group was 10.63/2 2.31 hours and in the Dexmedetomidine group was 9.77/1 1.92 hours, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.12). Conclusion: both Morphine and Dexmedetomidine had similar effects on hemodynamic stability and blood gas levels; however, Dexmedetomidine was associated with fewer drug-related side effects; so, it seems wise to consider Dexmedetomidine superior to Morphine in the postoperative period of CABG patients.