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A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of dopexamine on gastrointestinal function and organ
Catherine J Ralph1, Suzie J Tanser, Peter D Macnaughton
1Heart Lung Unit, Torbay Hospital, Torquay TQ2 7AA, UK.
Objective:
To determine whether an infusion of dopexamine for up to 7 days has an effect on gastrointestinal (GIT) absorption and permeability, renal function or organ dysfunction in the critically ill.
Design And Setting:
Prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial in two general adult intensive care units.
Patients:
102 critically ill adult patients predicted to require organ support for at least 4 days.
Interventions:
After resuscitation patients were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of up to 2 mcg/kg/min [corrected] per minute of dopexamine or control.
Measurements And Results:
GIT absorption and permeability were measured using the ratio of absorbed rhamnose to 3- O-methyl- D-glucose and the ratio of lactulose to rhamnose on days 1, 4 and 7. Creatinine clearance was measured concurrently. Daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were calculated. Fifty-two patients received dopexamine. No significant difference between the two groups emerged on any of the measured parameters during the study period.
Conclusions:
No benefit was seen from a prolonged infusion of dopexamine in this group of critically ill patients in terms of GIT absorption and permeability, creatinine clearance or organ dysfunction.