Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine for Prolonged Sedation in the PICU: A Prospective Multicenter Study (PROSDEX)*

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine used for prolonged sedation assures comfort, spares use of other sedation drugs, and helps to attenuate withdrawal syndrome and delirium symptoms. Adverse events are mainly hemodynamic and are reversible following dose reduction. A loading dose and higher infusion dosages are independent risk factors for hemodynamic adverse events.