Combined Use Of Dexmedetomidine Research Articles

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Levobupivacaine in an Experimental Ischemia Reperfusion Model.

Although it has been reported that different molecules are effective in preventing ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, the most effective treatment is still unknown. The rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each. Group C: 1 ml intraperitoneal (IP) isotonic + laparotomy + IP 2 ml isotonic +I/R. Group D: 100 μg kg-1/1 ml IP dexmedetomidine + laparotomy + IP 2 ml isotonic +I/R. Group L: 1 ml IP isotonic + laparotomy + IP levobupivacaine (2.5 mg kg-1/2 ml) +I/R. Group DL: 100 μg kg-1/1 ml IP dexmedetomidine + laparotomy + IP levobupivacaine (2.5 mg kg-1/2 ml) +I/R. Brain, heart, lung, and liver tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination. Biochemically, levels of aspartate amino transaminase, alanine amino transaminase, serum glucose, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status, ischemia modified albumin, and malondialdehyde were measured in blood samples. Group D mean blood TAS levels were found to be statistically significantly higher than those in Group C and Group L (p=0.037, p=0.048 respectively). Group DL oxidative stress index (OSI) value was found to be statistically significantly lower than that of Group C (p=0.010). Both dexmedetomidine and levobupivacaine demonstrated protective effects in I/R injury. When used in combination, the effects of these treatments were further enhanced, reaching statistical significance. As our literature review found no studies on the combined use of dexmedetomidine and levobupivacaine in I/R injury, it is anticipated that supporting these results with clinical studies may significantly contribute to clinical practice.

Determining factors for dexmedetomidine sedation in endoscopic submucosal dissection for early-stage gastric cancer.

Although no specific sedation recommendations exist in early-stage gastric cancer (ESGC) for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), dexmedetomidine (DEX) is useful along with benzodiazepines and analgesics. Furthermore, DEX is used for endoscopic treatment requiring lengthy sedation. However, it is unclear which patients should be administered DEX. We examined the factors that determine when DEX should be added for sedation during ESD for ESGC. Of 316 patients undergoing ESD for ESGC at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2020, we examined 310 receiving intravenous anesthesia. Preoperative patient factors and treatment outcomes were retrospectively examined according to the sedation method. Among patients with ESGC undergoing ESD at our hospital, DEX was more frequently used alongside sedation in men, those undergoing gastrectomy, those with a lesion diameter ≥20 mm, and those with preoperative ulcers. In the standard group, patients whose treatment duration exceeded 120 min typically had a lesion diameter ≥20 mm, preoperative ulcers, lesions located outside the L region, and were treated by junior physicians. It is important to evaluate specific preoperative factors (lesion diameter ≥20 mm, preoperative ulcers, lesion located outside the L region, and having a junior physician as the treating physician) in patients undergoing ESD for ESGC to determine whether the combined use of DEX in sedation is necessary.

The effect of the concurrent use of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) during the perioperative period on the renal function of patients following craniocerebral interventional surgery

Background Craniocerebral interventional surgery is a common and essential treatment for cerebrovascular diseases. Despite continuous progress in interventional diagnosis and treatment technology, there is no effective method to alleviate contrast-induced kidney injuries. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the effect of the concurrent use of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) during the perioperative period on the renal function of patients following craniocerebral interventional surgery. Methods We identified 228 cases of patients underwent craniocerebral interventional surgery from January 2018 to March 2022. Patients who used DEX during general anesthesia were in the DEX group (DEX group) or that did not use dexmedetomidine as the control group (CON group). The markers of kidney injury were recorded before and within 48 h after surgery. Results Compared with CON group, the urea nitrogen (BUN) of the DEX group decreased significantly on the first day and the second day after surgery (p < 0.05). The serum cystatin-C and the blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) was significantly lower than that in CON group on the second day (p < 0.05). The urine output in the DEX group increased significantly, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher than the CON group (p < 0.01). There was no difference in postoperative complications, ICU stay time and hospitalization time between the two groups. Conclusion The combined use of dexmedetomidine in general anesthesia for craniocerebral interventional surgery can reduce BUN levels within 48 h after surgery, significantly increase intraoperative urine volume, maintain intraoperative circulation stability.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine Combined with Dezocine for Cervical Plexus Block in Thyroid Surgery

This study mainly explores the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine and dezocine assisted ultrasound-guided nerve block in thyroid surgery. The data from a total of 72 patients who underwent thyroid surgery in our hospital were analyzed. All patients were given ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block anesthesia and divided into three groups. Group A (n=20) and group B (n=22) received dexmedetomidine and dezocine assisted anesthesia respectively, and group C (n=30) was given dexmedetomidine plus dezocine assisted anesthesia. Anesthesia time, operation time and other clinical indicators were compared among the three groups. The results showed that at 12 h and 24 h, group C had a lower degree of pain than groups A and B. The postoperative comfort score of group C was higher compared to groups A and B. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions reported was lower in group C compared with the other two groups. The above outcomes shows that the combined use of dexmedetomidine and dezocine in ultrasound-guided assisted nerve block during thyroid surgery contributes to better clinical efficacy compared with their single use.

Observation of Anesthetic Effect of Dexmedetomidine Combined With Intraspinal Anesthesia in Hip Arthroplasty and its Effect on Postoperative Delirium and Stress Response.

ObjectiveTo observe the anesthetic effect of dexmedetomidine combined with spinal anesthesia in hip arthroplasty, and to analyze the effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative stress response, incidence of delirium, immune function and inflammatory indicators.MethodsA total of 42 patients who underwent hip replacement in our hospital from March 2020 to June 2021 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, 21 cases in each group. The control group was given intraspinal anesthesia, and the observation group was given dexmedetomidine on this basis. The onset time and maintenance time of sensory and motor nerve block were recorded. Stress response indexes [cortisol (Cor), blood glucose (Glu), adrenaline (E), noadrenaline (NE)], T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+), inflammatory indexes [tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were detected before and after operation, and the incidence of postoperative delirium in both groups was recorded.ResultsThe onset time of sensory nerve block and motor block in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the retention time of sensory nerve block and motor nerve block were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After surgery, the levels of Cor, Glu, E and NE in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After surgery, the incidence of postoperative delirium in the observation group (4.79%) was lower than that in the control group (28.57%) (P < 0.05). After surgery, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After surgery, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe combined use of dexmedetomidine and intraspinal anesthesia has good anesthesia effect in hip joint replacement, which can greatly reduce the stress response of patients, reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium, and effectively restore the immune function of patients, reduce the level of inflammatory response, and has high clinical application value.

Advantages of the combined use of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate in alcohol withdrawal delirium

Annotation. The search for effective sedation schedule in management of alcohol withdrawal delirium, which would ensure both an adequate sedation level and sufficient safety profile, is an urgent problem of modern anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. In this respect, the aim of our study is to research the use of dexmedetomidine combined with magnesium preparations, which seems to be promising. The study was conducted on 80 patients with alcoholic delirium randomized into 4 groups, in which the following parameters were evaluated: delirium duration, plasma magnesium, hemodynamics parameters, presence of respiratory disorders, as well as the levels of urea, creatinine, transaminase, cortisol and serotonin in plasma. The control group patients underwent standard sedation therapy. In experimental group 1, standard sedation with benzodiazepines was supplemented magnesium sulfate. In group 2, we maintained infusion of dexmedetomidine. In group 3, we combined intravenous magnesium sulfas with dexmedetomidine infusion. Statistical processing was performed using: Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon T-test, and Kruskal-Wallace H-test. Duration of delirium proved to be significantly shorter in all study groups as compared to the controls, p &lt;0.05. The best sedation therapy results were recorded in group 3, p &lt;0.05. On the first day of treatment, all patients were found to have elevated MAP and heart rate, while significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters was observed on the third day, p &lt;0.05. Cases of hypotension were detected in groups 1 and 2. On the third day of treatment, the patients of groups 2 and 3 showed significant improvement in plasma levels of cortisol and serotonin as compared to the controls, p&lt;0.05, while serotonin level was higher in experimental group 3 as compared to the control patients, p&lt;0.05. The use of combination of magnesium with dexmedetomidine infusion proved to be beneficial and effective in treatment of patients with alcohol withdrawal delirium improving the quality of patients’ care and shortening delirium duration.

Effect of intratracheal dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine on postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomised double-blinded controlled trial

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate whether intratracheal dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine reduces the severity and incidence of postoperative sore throat after tracheal intubation under general anaesthesia.MethodsTwo hundred patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I-II who were subjected to general anaesthesia were randomly divided into four groups, namely, Group D, Group R, Group DR and Group S; these groups received intratracheal dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg), 0.8% ropivacaine (40 mg), dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) combined with 0.8% ropivacaine (40 mg) and normal saline before endotracheal intubation, respectively. The primary outcomes were the incidence and grade of sore throat and hoarseness at 2 h and 24 h after surgery. Moreover, the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale results were recorded at each time point. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations, intraoperative anaesthetic drug requirements, and adverse reactions during and after surgery. The patients’ vital signs before induction, before superficial anaesthesia, after superficial anaesthesia, before intubation, after intubation, and 1 min after intubation were recorded. The use of anaesthetic drugs and occurrence of adverse effects were also recorded.ResultsThe incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in Group DR than in the other three groups 2 h after the operation, but they were only significantly lower in Group DR than in the control group 24 h after the operation. Moreover, compared with Group S and Group D, Group DR exhibited more stable haemodynamics during intubation. The doses of remifentanil and propofol were significantly lower in Group DR than in the other groups.ConclusionThe combined use of dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine for surface anaesthesia before intubation significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. This treatment also decreased anaesthetic drug requirements and intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations and caused no adverse effects.Trial registrationThis clinical research was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900022907, Registration date 30/04/2019).

ANI-моніторинг для оцінки ефективності варіантів анестезіологічного забезпечення пластичної хірургії носа

Метою роботи було вивчення ANI-моніторингу для оцінки періопераційної аналгезії і контролю балансу ноцицепції/антиноцицепції при різних варіантах анестезіологічного забезпечення пластичної хірургії носа. Матеріали та методи. Було обстежено 116 пацієнтів віком від 18 до 60 років з викривленням перегородки носа, яким проводилася септопластика в умовах комбінованої анестезії, що включала тотальну внутрішньовенну анестезію зі штучною вентиляцією легенів і місцевою анестезією лідокаїном. Усі пацієнти були розподілені на 4 групи: 1-ша група (n = 28) (контрольна) — зі стандартним комбінованим анестезіологічним забезпеченням; 2-га група (n = 31) — стандартне анестезіологічне забезпечення доповнювалося внутрішньовенною інфузією парацетамолу за 30 хвилин до початку операції в дозі 15 мг/кг (але не більше 1000 мг) одноразово; 3-тя група (n = 30) — проводилася інфузія дексмедетомідину, що починалася за 10 хвилин до індукції анестезії в дозі 0,7 мкг/кг/год і закінчувалася за 10 хвилин до завершення операції; 4-та група (n = 27) — проводилася інфузія дексмедетомідину, що починалася за 10 хвилин до індукції анестезії в дозі 0,7 мкг/кг/год і закінчувалася за 10 хвилин до завершення операції, в комбінації з внутрішньовенною інфузією парацетамолу за 30 хвилин до початку операції в дозі 15 мг/кг (але не більше 1000 мг) одноразово. Проводилася реєстрація АNI-індексу. Після операції реєструвалися рівень болю за візуально-аналоговою шкалою (ВАШ) і частота розвитку післяопераційної нудоти і блювання. Реєструвалася оцінка пацієнтами якості анестезії за допомогою шкали Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale. Результати. У контрольній групі ANI-індекс на етапі інтубації, початку операції, на етапі найбільш травматичного моменту операції був нижче 50 одиниць, що, можливо, пов’язано з недостатнім рівнем аналгезії. У 2-й групі з використанням парацетамолу ANI-індекс в момент інтубації знижувався до 50 одиниць, але потім перебував у межах 50–70 одиниць. У 3-й групі з застосуванням дексмедетомідину ANI-індекс на етапі індукції анестезії та в момент пробудження пацієнта був вище 70 одиниць. У 4-й групі з комбінованим використанням дексмедетомідину і парацетамолу ANI-індекс на всіх етапах, крім початку операції, був вище 70 одиниць. При аналізі рівня післяопераційної аналгезії за ВАШ найбільш оптимальний рівень спостерігався у 2-й і 4-й групах пацієнтів. Частота розвитку післяопераційної нудоти і блювання була нижче в основних групах дослідження: 2-га група — 17 %, 3-тя група — 12 %, 4-та група — 14 % порівняно з пацієнтами контрольної групи — 20 %. При оцінці пацієнтами якості проведеної анестезії за Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale кращі результати були отримані в 4-й групі пацієнтів, у якій 25 % оцінили якість анестезії як добру, а 75 % — як відмінну. Найгірші результати були отримані в 1-й групі пацієнтів, 30 % з яких оцінили якість анестезії як задовільну. Висновки. Використання АNI-індексу в анестезіологічній практиці дозволяє з високим ступенем специфічності в режимі онлайн мониторувати рівень сприйняття болю в інтра- і післяопераційному періоді і забезпечити поліпшення періопераційної аналгезії. Застосування парацетамолу і дексмедетомідину забезпечує більш надійну і повноцінну періопераційну аналгезію.

Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial to assess gastroesophageal reflux and regurgitation in dogs undergoing general anesthesia after hydromorphone premedication with or without acepromazine or dexmedetomidine.

To investigate whether premedication with hydromorphone alone or combined with acepromazine or dexmedetomidine affects the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and regurgitation in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for elective orthopedic surgery. 39 healthy client-owned dogs undergoing general anesthesia for elective orthopedic surgery between November 2016 and November 2018. For this prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial, dogs were randomly assigned to be premedicated with hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg, IM) alone (group H [control group]) or with either acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM; group AH) or dexmedetomidine (6 μg/kg, IM; group DH) before undergoing general anesthesia induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. A pH sensor-tipped probe was used to identify episodes of GER (esophageal pH < 4 or > 7.5 for ≥ 30 seconds). Results for GER, regurgitation, vomiting, propofol dose, and durations of food withholding and anesthesia were compiled and compared across groups. There were 13 dogs in each group, and no meaningful differences were detected in age, body weight, sex, breed, or durations of anesthesia or food withholding across groups. Overall, 16 of the 39 (41%) dogs developed GER: 9 in group H, 6 in group AH, and 1 in group DH. The incidence of GER was significantly lower for group DH versus group H. Six of the 39 (15%) dogs regurgitated: 4 in group H and 2 in group AH. The combined use of dexmedetomidine and hydromorphone as premedication may be a better choice to reduce GER in healthy dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery than would the use of hydromorphone with or without acepromazine. Additional research is warranted.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Systemic Sclerosis and Microstomia

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that can cause fibrosis in vital organs, often resulting in damage to the skin, blood vessels, gastrointestinal system, lungs, heart, and/or kidneys. Patients with SSc are also likely to develop microstomia, which can render dental treatment difficult and painful, thereby necessitating advanced anesthetic management. This is a case report of a 61-year-old woman with a history of SSc with microstomia, interstitial pneumonia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease in whom intravenous moderate sedation was performed using a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine for dental extractions. Both anesthetic agents are known to have analgesic effects while minimizing respiratory depression. Consequently, the increased discomfort caused by opening the patient's mouth and stretching the buccal mucosa was sufficiently managed, permitting an increase in maximum interincisal opening and completion of treatment without complications. Patients with SSc present with serious comorbidities that can negatively impact anesthetic management, so the implementation of an anesthetic plan that takes such risks into account is required. Furthermore, emergency airway management is likely to be difficult in patients with microstomia. For intravenous moderate sedation, combined use of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, which have analgesic effects while minimizing respiratory depression, may be particularly effective in patients with SSc and microstomia.

Randomized comparison between dexmedetomidine\u2013remifentanil and midazolam\u2013fentanyl for deep sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background and objectivesThe efficacy of dexmedetomidine for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sedation using dexmedetomidine with remifentanil compared to conventional sedative agents during RFCA for AF.Subjects and methodsA total of 240 patients undergoing RFCA for AF were randomized to either the dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil) or the midazolam (MID) group (intermittent injections of midazolam and fentanyl) according to sedative agents. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was applied to all patients during the procedure. The primary outcome was patient movement during the procedure resulting in a 3D mapping system discordance, and the secondary outcome was adverse events including respiratory or hemodynamic compromise.ResultsDuring AF ablation, the incidence of the primary outcome was significantly reduced for the DEX group (18.2% vs. 39.5% in the DEX and the MID groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The frequency of a desaturation event (oxygen saturation < 90%) did not significantly differ between the two groups (6.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.056). However, the incidences of hypotension not owing to cardiac tamponade (systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg, 19.8% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.011) and bradycardia (HR < 50 beats/min: 39.7% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.003) were higher in the DEX group. All efficacy and safety results were consistent within the predefined subgroups.ConclusionThe combined use of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil provides higher stability sedation during AF ablation, but can lead to more frequent hemodynamic compromise compared to midazolam and fentanyl.

Dexmedetomidine Combined With Intravenous Anesthetics in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to investigate how the combined use of dexmedetomidine with intravenous anesthetics influences seizure duration and circulatory dynamics in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated the effect of dexmedetomidine on motor- or electroencephalogram (EEG)-based seizure durations and maximum mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) after ECT. Moreover, recovery time and post-ECT agitation were evaluated. Six studies enrolling 166 patients in 706 ECT sessions were included. There was no significant difference in motor or EEG seizure duration between dexmedetomidine and nondexmedetomidine groups [motor: 6 studies; mean difference (MD), 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), -2.24 to 5.49; P = 0.41; EEG: 3 studies; MD, 2.34; 95% CI, -6.03 to 10.71; P = 0.58]. Both maximum MAP and HR after ECT were significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group (MAP: 6 studies; MD, -4.83; 95% CI, -8.43 to -1.22; P = 0.009; HR: 6 studies; MD, -6.68; 95% CI, -10.74 to -2.62; P = 0.001). Moreover, the addition of dexmedetomidine did not significantly prolong recovery time when the reduced-dose propofol was used (4 studies; MD, 63.27; 95% CI, -15.41 to 141.96; P = 0.12). The use of dexmedetomidine in ECT did not interfere with motor and EEG seizure durations but could reduce maximum MAP and HR after ECT. Besides, the addition of dexmedetomidine in ECT did not prolong recovery time when reduced-dose propofol was used. It might be worthwhile for patients to receive dexmedetomidine before the induction of anesthesia in ECT.

Synergistic Interaction Between Dexmedetomidine and Ulinastatin Against Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

This article documents the synergistic interaction between 2 widely used drugs, DEX and UTI, against VCR-induced neuropathic pain. The results provide a potential target and novel drug administrated method for the clinical treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.

Combined use of dexmedetomidine and propofol in monitored anesthesia care: a randomized controlled study

BackgroudAlthough propofol and dexmedetomidine have been widely used for monitored anesthesia care, their adverse effects necessitate the search for better methods. Therefore, we performed this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined use of propofol and dexmedetomidine.MethodsEighty-seven adult patients undergoing hand surgery under brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive 1.6 μg/ml of the target effect site concentration of propofol (P group) and infusion of 0.4 μg/kg/h dexmedetomidine following a loading dose of 1.0 μg/kg for 10 min (D group). The M group received a half-dose of both drugs simultaneously. The maintenance dose was adjusted to maintain an Observer Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score of 3. Cardiorespiratory variables, adverse effects, and drug efficacy were observed.ResultsThe significantly higher mean arterial pressure (mmHg) in the D group [P group 86.9 (12.6), D group 96.0 (12.2), M group 85.6 (10.6), p = 0.004)] and a significantly higher heart rate (beat/min) in the P group were observed [P group 67.3 (9.0), D group 57.8 (6.9), M group 59.2 (7.4), p < 0.001)]. The M group had a significant lower incidence of airway obstruction (p < 0.001) and the D group had a higher incidence of bradycardia requiring atropine (p = 0.001). The P group had higher incidences of hypoxia (p = 0.001), spontaneous movement (p < 0.001) and agitation (p = 0.001). The satisfaction scores of the patients (p = 0.007) and surgeon (p < 0.001) were higher in the M group. Onset time was significantly longer in the D group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe combined use of propofol and dexmedetomidine provided cardiovascular stability with decreased adverse effects. Additionally, it led to a similar onset time of propofol and achieved higher satisfaction scores.Trial registrationKCT0001284. Retrospectively registered 25 November 2014.

Dexmedetomidine protects spatial learning and memory ability in rats.

The authors tested the hypothesis that combined use of dexmedetomidine on fetal rats during isoflurane exposure in maternal anesthesia can attenuate the abnormal spatial learning and memory abilities in adults via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Fifty timed-pregnancy rats were randomly assigned to five groups (Dex+Iso, Sal+Iso, Sal+Oxy, Dex+Oxy, and a control group ) on embryonic day 14 to receive five different dispositions, i.e. combined injection of dexmedetomidine (Dex) or saline (Sal) and inhalation of isoflurane (Iso), oxygen (Oxy), or normal air for 4 h (n = 10). The latency time(s) from day 1 to day 4 all showed a decreasing tendency in all four groups. The synaptic count of the Sal+Iso group was significantly lower than the Control group (p < 0.05), suggesting that severe neurodegeneration occurred under the influence of fetal isoflurane exposure. In contrast, the synapse count of the Dex+Iso group was near to that of Control group. The rats are protected in neurodevelopmental, normal development. Combine use of dexmedetomidine during exposure to isoflurane in utero during middle-pregnancy can attenuate the impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities for the rats in adulthood.

Use of dexmedetomidine for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in critically ill patients: a retrospective case series

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) continues to be a challenge to manage in the ICU setting, and the ideal pharmacological treatment continues to evolve. Dexmedetomidine is a newer agent approved for short-term sedation in the ICU, but its use in the treatment of AWS has been limited. We report a retrospective case series of ten patients who were identified as receiving dexmedetomidine for AWS as designated by electronic pharmacy records. All subjects were male, with a mean age of 53.6 years, and a mean ICU length of stay of 9.3 days. They were all diagnosed with AWS by DSM-IV criteria. All the study patients received dexmedetomidine during their hospital course as a treatment for AWS. Studied variables included demographic data, dose and duration of dexmedetomidine, other pharmaceutical agents, and hemodynamics. Dexmedetomidine was safe to use in all patients, although mechanical ventilation was still required in three patients. With dexmedetomidine, the autonomic hyperactivity was blunted, with a mean 12.8% reduction in rate pressure product observed. Consideration should be given to the combined use of dexmedetomidine with benzodiazepines in the treatment of AWS.