Neurologic Withdrawal Symptoms Following Abrupt Discontinuation of a Prolonged Dexmedetomidine Infusion in a Child

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a α(2)-adrenergic agonist which possesses sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. It is approved for short-term use in adults to provide sedation while mechanically ventilated and for noninvasive procedural sedation. An increased number of anecdotal reports describe the use dexmedetomidine in children. Cardiovascular withdrawal symptoms have been reported in the literature. However, there have been few published reports of neurologic withdrawal symptoms following discontinuation of prolonged infusions of dexmedetomidine. We describe a 2 year-old child who received a prolonged continuous infusion (263 hours) of dexmedetomidine as an adjunctive sedative agent. Following abrupt discontinuation of dexmedetomidine, the patient presented with symptoms suggestive of neurological withdrawal. The symptoms gradually resolved over two days without further intervention, and the patient had full resolution of symptoms and was discharged home with no further neurologic sequelae.