Dexmedetomidine-Associated Fever in a Critically Ill Obese Child.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Intensive Care
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Dexmedetomidine is increasingly used in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
• Drug fever associated with dexmedetomidine has been documented in adults.
• This adverse effect has not been previously reported in pediatric patients.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient in the ICU developed persistent fever.
• The fever persisted despite standard fever-reducing measures.
• The patient was receiving dexmedetomidine for sedation.

Findings:

• Discontinuation of dexmedetomidine led to the resolution of the fever.
• Transitioning the patient to clonidine successfully managed the underlying condition without recurrence of fever.
• This case represents the first documented instance of dexmedetomidine-induced drug fever in a pediatric patient.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider dexmedetomidine as a potential cause of drug fever in pediatric patients.
• Awareness of this adverse effect is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in PICUs.
• Further investigation into the incidence and mechanisms of dexmedetomidine drug fever in children may be warranted.