Dexmedetomidine and Pulmonary Hypertension: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Given its favorable effects on respiratory and hemodynamic function, dexmedetomidine remains a commonly used agent for procedural sedation in various scenarios in infants and children. Procedural sedation may be particularly problematic in patients with co-morbid conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To date, there are limited data regarding the administration of dexmedetomidine in the setting of PAH. We report the use of dexmedetomidine at part of a sedative regimen for procedural sedation during incision and drainage of an abscess and bone marrow biopsy in an adolescent with PAH. Previous reports regarding the use of dexmedetomidine in patients with PAH are reviewed and its applications in this scenario are discussed.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(7):481-484
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1279w