[Effect of the initial loading dose of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac...

We studied the effect of the initial loading dose of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics in pediatric patient undergoing cardiac surgery.

This study was on 10 children under ten who were scheduled for elective surgery for repair of the atrial and ventricular septal defect. The induction and maintenance of anesthesia were performed with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol and fentanyl. After closing the sternum, we administered dexmedetomidine as a loading dose of 1 microg x kg(-1) for 10 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.7 microg x kg(-) x hr(-1). During the study systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and central venous pressure were measured.

There were no significant changes temporalily in heart rate and central venous pressure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased temporalily. They reached the maximum 15 minutes after starting dexmedetomidine. And 30 minutes later they returned to the baseline level.

Any clinical problems leading to a major increase in blood pressure were not encountered. But these results suggest that it is necessary to devise a method of administration of dexmedetomidine in consideration of the patient's condition and the drug effect in severe cases.