Use of early dexmedetomidine did not improve NIV tolerance ( score , @ of @ ; OR , @ ; @ % CI , @-@ @ ; P = @ ) nor , vs. placebo , led to a greater median ( interquartile range ) percent time either tolerating NIV ( @ % -LSB- @ % -@ % -RSB- vs. @ % -LSB- @ % -@ % -RSB- , P = @ ) or remaining at the desired sedation level ( SAS score = @ or @ , @ % -LSB- @ % -@ % -RSB- vs. @ % -LSB- @ % -@ % -RSB- , P = @ -RSB- , or fewer intubations ( P = @ ) .