Study Evaluating Dexmedetomidine in the Acute Treatment of Electrical Storm
The objective of this study is to determine if there is a meaningful benefit to using the sedative medication dexmedetomidine in the acute treatment of patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, known as electrical storm. This will be a multi-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with electrical storm will be randomized to receive 48 to 72 hours of dexmedetomidine or placebo as part of their initial treatment in an intensive care unit.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  - All patients admitted to an intensive care unit with electrical storm over the age of 18 years will be approached for enrollment.  Exclusion Criteria:  Refractory shock lasting for more than 30 minutes unrelated to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), defined as requiring two or more vasopressors SCAI class D or E cardiogenic shock Cardiac arrest(s) with a no-flow and low-flow total time of greater than 10 minutes prior to recruitment. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-induced VA with signs of active ischemia. Bradycardia with heart rate less than 40 beats per minute, bradycardia-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia, second degree Mobitz type 2 or greater atrioventricular block in the absence of a pacemaker. Pregnancy Known dexmedetomidine allergy or intolerance Inability to obtain consent from patient or substitute decision maker. Patients who have received dexmedetomidine or clonidine during the 24 hours prior to randomization - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - GenderBased: Yes - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult