Reconsidering Dexmedetomidine for Sedation in the Critically Ill: Implications of the SPICE III Trial

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative agent that has gained popularity for use in the intensive care unit over the past 20 years. Guidelines recommend dexmedetomidine as a first-line agent to achieve light sedation in mechanically ventilated adults. Recently, the SPICE III (Sedation Practice in Intensive Care Evaluation III) trial was published. This was a randomized controlled trial comparing initial sedation with dexmedetomidine with usual care sedation in adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The results of this trial have both validated and contradicted previous findings about dexmedetomidine. This editorial examines the merits of the SPICE III trial and the role of dexmedetomidine in practice following its publication.