Prolonged Infusion of Dexmedetomidine in Critically-ill Children.

OBJECTIVE To describe main indications, doses, length of infusion and side effects related to dexmedetomidine infusion. METHODS Observational and retrospective study evaluating dexmedetomidine use in pediatric intensive care unit. RESULTS 77 children received dexmedetomidine infusion longer than 6 hours for mechanical ventilation weaning (32.5%), post- neurosurgery and post-upper airway surgery (24.7%), non-invasive ventilation (13%), refractory tachycardia (6.5%) and other causes (23.3%). After 6 hours of infusion, significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate was observed in all groups. Six children (8%) required withdrawal of drug because of possible side effects: hypotension, bradycardia and somnolence. CONCLUSION Dexmedetomidine may be used as sedative in critically ill children without much side effects.