Dexmedetomidine and Outcomes of Elderly Admitted to ICU After Surgery

"1. Dexmedetomidine is infused from 4 pm to 8 am during ICU stay for no more than 3 days.~2. For non-intubated patients, the infusion rate is adjusted to reach a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) of -1, or a maximal rate of 0.2 microgram/kg/h, or the occurrence of any adverse events.~3. For intubated patients, the infusion rate is adjusted to reach a RASS of -1, or a maximal rate of 0.7 microgram/kg/h, or the occurrence of any adverse events."

"1. Normal saline is infused in the same rate for the same duration as in the dexmedetomidine group.~2. Propofol sedation is administered when considered necessary."