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Dexmedetomidine and perioperative analgesia in children

R Eizaga Rebollar1, M V García Palacios2, M C Fernández Riobó1

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

Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|September 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) offers safe and effective perioperative analgesia in pediatric anesthesia, mimicking sleep with minimal cardiorespiratory effects. This review evaluates its pharmacology, clinical use, and cost-effectiveness in children.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an anesthetic agent with unique properties.
  • It mimics natural sleep and causes minimal cardiorespiratory depression.
  • Pediatric patients present unique challenges in anesthesia management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a perioperative analgesic in pediatric anesthesia.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and pharmacology of DEX in children.
  • To provide a cost estimate for perioperative analgesia using DEX.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of Google, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (2010-2021).
  • Review of DEX pharmacology, effectiveness, safety, and clinical evidence.
  • Inclusion of cost estimation for perioperative analgesia.

Main Results:

  • DEX demonstrates significant potential as a perioperative analgesic in pediatric patients.
  • Its safety profile includes minimal cardiorespiratory depression.
  • Evidence supports its clinical utility in pediatric anesthesia.

Conclusions:

  • Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a valuable agent for perioperative analgesia in pediatric anesthesia.
  • It offers a favorable safety and efficacy profile for managing pain in children.
  • Further research and cost-benefit analyses are warranted.

Keywords:
AdolescentAdolescenteAnaesthesiaAnalgesiaAnestesiaChildDexmedetomidinaDexmedetomidineInfantLactanteManejo de dolorNiñoPaediatricsPain managementPediatría

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