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

AIM: This study aimed to assess the safety of a commonly used sedative, dexmedetomidine in neonates and infants during intensive care.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the paediatric intensive care unit at Oulu University Hospital. The study population consisted of all children from birth up to 6 months of age who received dexmedetomidine during 2010-2016. Adverse cardiovascular outcomes were defined as abnormal heart rates or blood pressure values according to the Paediatric Early Warning Score.

RESULTS

Of the 172 infants, 56% had congenital malformation, and 48% had undergone surgery. Neonates and 1-3-month-olds experienced bradycardia (86% vs. 73% in 1-3-month-olds and 50% in 3-6-month-olds, p = 0.001) and severe bradycardia (17% vs. 14% in 1-3-month-olds and 0% in 3-6-month-olds, p = 0.005) more often than older patients. The median maximum rate of dexmedetomidine infusion was 0.86 μg/kg/h (IQR = 0.60-1.71 μg/kg/h). A dose-dependent increase in bradycardia and severe hypotension was found. Adverse cardiovascular events were managed with additional fluid boluses and discontinuation of the infusion.

CONCLUSION

Adverse cardiovascular events were common during dexmedetomidine administration in neonates and infants. Lower dexmedetomidine doses may be required in sedating neonates.