The efficacy of dexmedetomidine for septic shock: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of dexmedetomidine was elusive for septic shock. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of dexmedetomidine for septic shock. METHODS: PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases have been searched through October 2022 and we included randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of dexmedetomidine in patients with septic shock. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control group for septic shock, dexmedetomidine treatment was able to substantially decrease Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (mean difference [MD] = ‐0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] = ‐1.14 to ‐0.84; P < .00001) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = ‐0.90; 95% CI = ‐1.27 to ‐0.54; P < .00001), but showed no obvious influence on morality at 28 days (odds ratio = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.66; P = 054), hospital mortality (odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.35 to 1.24; P = .20) or intensive care unit length of stay (MD = ‐1.47; 95% CI = ‐4.60 to 1.66; P = .36). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine administration may help treat patients with septic shock.