Haemodynamic effect of dexmedetomidine during paediatric kidney transplantation

Dexmedetomidine is increasingly used for its ability to stabilise haemodynamic status during general anaesthesia. However, there is currently no data on paediatric kidney transplant recipients (pKTR). This study investigates the haemodynamic impact of dexmedetomidine administered perioperatively in pKTR.

From 2019 to 2023, a retrospective study was conducted at Nantes University Hospital involving all pKTR under 18 years of age. The study compared intraoperative haemodynamic parameters between patients administered dexmedetomidine during kidney transplantation (DEX group) and those who did not receive it (no-DEX group). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout the duration of anaesthesia and compared. Graft function was assessed based on creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at specific intervals. The perioperative use of fluids and vasoactive drugs, as well as their administration within 24 h post-surgery, were analysed.

Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, 10 in the DEX group and 28 in the no-DEX group. Intraoperative HR was similar between the groups; however, MAP was higher in the DEX group (mean difference 9, standard deviation (SD, 1-11) mmHg, p = 0.039). No differences were found regarding the use of fluid and vasoactive drug therapy between groups. GFR at 1 month post-transplantation was significantly elevated in the DEX group (p = 0.009).

pKTR receiving intraoperative dexmedetomidine exhibited higher perioperative MAP compared to those not administered dexmedetomidine. Additionally, the DEX group demonstrated superior graft function at 1 month. The direct impact of dexmedetomidine on immediate postoperative graft function in pTKR warrants further investigation in a prospective multicentre randomised study.