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Adverse cardiovascular events are common during dexmedetomidine administration in neonates and infants during

Miikka Tervonen1,2, Johanna Cajanus1, Merja Kallio1,2

  • 1Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Dexmedetomidine sedation in infants can cause cardiovascular events like bradycardia. Neonates may need lower doses of this sedative to improve safety during intensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Neonatal Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Safety

Background:

  • Dexmedetomidine is a commonly used sedative in pediatric intensive care.
  • Assessing its safety profile in neonates and infants is crucial due to their unique physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety of dexmedetomidine in neonates and infants undergoing intensive care.
  • To identify potential adverse cardiovascular events associated with its use.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 172 infants (birth to 6 months) who received dexmedetomidine.
  • Data collected from Oulu University Hospital's pediatric intensive care unit (2010-2016).
  • Adverse cardiovascular outcomes defined using the Paediatric Early Warning Score.

Main Results:

  • Adverse cardiovascular events, including bradycardia and severe hypotension, were frequent.
  • Neonates and younger infants (1-3 months) experienced higher rates of bradycardia compared to older infants.
  • A dose-dependent relationship was observed between dexmedetomidine infusion rates and adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • Dexmedetomidine administration is associated with common adverse cardiovascular events in neonates and infants.
  • Lower dosages of dexmedetomidine may be necessary for sedating neonates to mitigate risks.
Abstract

Keywords:
critical caredexmedetomidineinfantspain managementsedation

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