Dexmedetomidine for Reducing Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial (DecatSepsis).

Background: Sepsis, especially septic shock, and its complications have been linked to the hyperadrenergic stress response.

Research Question: Does decatecholaminization with dexmedetomidine lower the in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock?

Study Design And Methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of a heart rate (HR)-calibrated dexmedetomidine infusion on in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock and HR of > 90 beats/min, regardless of whether they are receiving mechanical ventilation. Dexmedetomidine was infused for 48 h to maintain the HR at 60 to 90 beats/min.