Evaluation of dexmedetomidine withdrawal in critically ill adults.

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) withdrawal syndrome has been reported in the pediatric population, but literature describing DEX withdrawal in critically ill adults is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of DEX withdrawal in adult patients and to identify factors associated with DEX withdrawal syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in the adult intensive care units of two tertiary medical centers.

μImpact of a nursing-driven sedation protocol with criteria for infusion initiation in the surgical intensive care unit.

Purpose: Analgesia and sedation protocols (ASPs) reduce duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU), but data in the surgical ICU (SICU) are limited. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a nursing-driven ASP with criteria for infusion initiation in the SICU.

Materials And Methods: A single-center, retrospective study compared ventilator-free days at day 28 from start of MV (VFD28) before and after ASP implementation.

Prospective Observational Evaluation of Sedation and Pain Management Guideline Adherence Across New Jersey Intensive Care Units.

Background: The practice guidelines for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) from the Society of Critical Care Medicine shifted from primarily focusing on the treatment of anxiety in 2002 to the treatment of pain in 2013.

Objective: This prospective, observational, multicenter study aimed to assess the degree of practice adherence to the PAD guidelines for ventilated patients in New Jersey intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods: Pharmacist investigators at 8 centers designated 4 days at least 10 days apart to evaluate all patients on mechanical ventilation.