Prolonged dexmedetomidine infusion and drug withdrawal in critically ill children

Abstract

We investigated the incidence, symptoms and risk factors for withdrawal associated with prolonged dexmedetomidine use. Dexmedetomidine is an α 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist, with anxiolytic, analgesic and sedative properties. Intended for short-term use, there is increasing literature describing prolonged use for sedation. However, this raises the potential of withdrawal syndrome and there is no recommendation for the discontinuation of dexmedetomidine. Other goals included determining the hemodynamic effects of discontinuation of dexmedetomidine and role of clonidine in patients with prolonged dexmedetomidine use.