Objective: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in the treatment and prophylaxis of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH).
Data sources: A review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and queried Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, SciELO, Korean Journal Index (Clarivate), Global Index Medicus, and CINAHL Plus for results through June 2023.
Study selection and data extraction: Studies providing efficacy or safety data associated with dexmedetomidine with a reported diagnosis of PSH were included. Exclusion of studies in pediatric populations, without quantitative and qualitative outcome data, and not readily translatable to English was adhered to.
Data synthesis: Thirteen observational studies of 178 patients were included in the qualitative analysis. Reductions in PSH frequency or symptom severity were reported in 44 of 48 patients who received dexmedetomidine for acute treatment. Prophylactic use of dexmedetomidine was associated with reductions in PSH-Assessment Measure (PSH-AM) scores in postsurgical patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Adverse events associated with dexmedetomidine were either absent or reported as none.
Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: This review supports the safe and effective use of dexmedetomidine in the treatment and prophylaxis of PSH. Further investigation is required to determine optimal dosing strategies and the extent to which PSH etiology correlated to the efficacy of dexmedetomidine.
Conclusions: The use of dexmedetomidine appears to be both efficacious and safe for the treatment and prevention of PSH in patients experiencing a TBI. Additional research is needed to elucidate dosing strategies, titration parameters, and duration of therapy.
Keywords: acquired brain injury; autonomic nervous system disease; dexmedetomidine; paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity; traumatic brain injury.