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Dexmedetomidine & perioperative analgesia in children

R Eizaga Rebollar1, M V García Palacios2, M Del Carmen Fernández Riobó1

  • 1Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Mar, Cádiz, España.

Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|May 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) offers safe and effective perioperative analgesia for pediatric patients, mimicking sleep with minimal cardiorespiratory impact. This review evaluates its role, effectiveness, and safety in pediatric anesthesia.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an anesthetic agent known for its sleep-like sedation and minimal cardiorespiratory depression.
  • Pediatric patients present unique challenges in anesthesia management.
  • DEX is a potential option for managing pain and anxiety in children undergoing surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a mini-review evaluating the role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a perioperative analgesic in pediatric anesthesia.
  • To assess the pharmacology, effectiveness, safety, and recent clinical evidence of DEX in children.
  • To provide a cost estimate for perioperative analgesia using DEX in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search conducted on Google, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
  • Inclusion criteria: articles published between 2010 and 2021.
  • Review focused on DEX pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and clinical use in pediatric anesthesia, including cost analysis.

Main Results:

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX) demonstrates significant potential as a perioperative analgesic in pediatric anesthesia.
  • Evidence suggests favorable effectiveness and safety profiles, with minimal cardiorespiratory compromise.
  • The review synthesizes recent findings on DEX's clinical application and economic considerations.

Conclusions:

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a valuable agent for perioperative analgesia in pediatric patients.
  • Its sleep-mimicking properties and low cardiorespiratory impact make it suitable for this population.
  • Further research supports DEX's role in enhancing pediatric anesthesia care.

Keywords:
AdolescentAdolescenteAnaesthesiaAnalgesiaAnestesiaChildDexmedetomidinaDexmedetomidineInfantLactanteManejo del dolorNiñoPaediatricsPain managementPediatría

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