Affiliations: Department of Anesthesiology, Nationwide Children's
Hospital and the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA | Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's
Hospital and the Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA | Departments of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics,
Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,
USA
Note: [] Correspondence: Joseph D. Tobias, M.D., Department of
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital 700
Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205 USA. Tel.: +1 614 722 4200; Fax: +1 614
722 4203; E-mail: Thomas.Taghon@Nationwidechildrens.org
Abstract: Dexmedetomidine, a centrally acting α_{2}-adrenergic agonist, is being used with increased frequency in
the pediatric population due to its unique ability to render patients in a
sedated, yet cooperative state, with a limited risk of adverse respiratory or
hemodynamic effects. We report the successful use of dexmedetomidine to provide
sedation following general anesthesia in two adolescents following cerebral
angiography. Dexmedetomidine was used with limited effects on hemodynamic and
ventilatory function to provide sedation and limit movement to prevent hematoma
formation at the femoral artery cannulation site. Both patients had underlying
neurobehavioral disorders, which precluded their ability to cooperate with a
prolonged period of post-procedure immobility. The potential application of
dexmedetomidine in this unique patient population is discussed.
