Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion criteria: * Adult ICU patients (aged ≥18) with an expected ICU stay of \>24 hours * Patients who are (expected to become) agitated within the first 14 days of their ICU admission Exclusion criteria: * Contra indication for dexmedetomidine use (i.e., AV-block grade 2 or 3 unless a pacemaker is present, uncontrolled hypotension, acute cerebrovascular condition or known/suspected hypersensitivity); * Neurological patients with an (expected risk of) increased intracranial pressure; * An intoxication as a result of drug abuse (e.g., ethanol, γ-Hydroxybutyrate, opioids, benzodiazepines); * Support with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO); * Difficult airway (e.g., a Cormack and Lehane laryngoscopy grade 4 view or a tumor causing airway obstruction); * A high risk of physical aggression towards healthcare professionals; * No consent for long term follow up in the MONITOR-IC study; * Not able to read or understand the Dutch language and no relatives able to assist; * Enrolment in other sedation studies.