Outcomes

We analyzed all included patients for characterization of DEX in the ED. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia related to DEX use. Other clinical outcomes of interest included the incidence of acute brain dysfunction on ICU day 1 (delirium and coma), ventilator-, ICU- and hospital-free days, and hospital mortality. Coma was defined as having a RASS of −4 or −5 for every measurement while in the ICU. “Free” days account for both time (ie, duration of ventilation or lengths of stay) and mortality and are indexed to study day 28. In participants who survived 28 days, “-free” days are defined as 28 minus duration of ventilation (ventilator-free days) or length of stay (ICU- and hospital-free days). Participants who did not survive 28 days were assigned zero “-free” days.