Dexmedetomidine for sedation in pediatric patients who received more than 20 sessions of radiation therapy: two cases report

Korean J Anesthesiol. 2016 Dec;69(6):627-631. doi: 10.4097/kjae.2016.69.6.627. Epub 2016 Sep 8.

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist that demonstrates anxiolytic and analgesic properties without inducing respiratory compromise, which makes it a suitable agent for procedural sedation and imaging studies. In our current case reports, intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion was used to provide sedation to 2 pediatric patients over more than 20 sessions of radiation therapy. On both occasions, dexmedetomidine provided adequate sedation without respiratory depression. However, the required dosage increased with repeated radiation therapy sessions.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; Pediatrics; Radiotherapy.