Comparison of dexmedetomidine, haloperidol, and propofol sedation on intra-abdominal pressure, inflammatory response, and clinical outcomes in patients with abdominal sepsis: A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims: Abdominal sepsis serves as a significant challenge in critical care and frequently requires mechanical ventilation (MV) and sedation to ensure patient satisfaction and promote recovery. The present research compared the effect of dexmedetomidine, haloperidol, and propofol on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes in abdominal septic cases. Methods: This randomised controlled trial enroled 90 adult abdominal sepsis patients requiring postoperative MV. Patients were randomised to three groups: Group D received intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg loading dose over 10 min; 0.2-0.3 μg/kg/h maintenance), Group H was administered IV haloperidol (2.5 mg loading dose; 1-2 mg/h infusion), and Group P received IV propofol (1 mg/kg loading dose over 15 min; 20-80 μg/kg/min maintenance). The primary outcome was the serum interleukin (IL)-6 level at 24 hours. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's Results: Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced interleukin (IL-6, IL-8), serum lactate, and IAP at 24 and 48 h ( Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine exhibited superior anti-inflammatory effects and better control of IAP than haloperidol and propofol in abdominal sepsis patients. However, these physiological improvements did not translate into significant differences in clinical outcomes.