Dexmedetomidine: A Preliminary Exploration of its Safety and Efficacy in Pediatric Dental Setting
Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, I.T.S Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sakshi Chawla, Mousumi Goswami, et al., “Dexmedetomidine: A Preliminary Exploration of its Safety and
Efficacy in Pediatric Dental Setting”, American Research Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 1, no. 1, 2022, pp. 38-42.
Abstract
To report on the safety and effectiveness of intravenous use of Dexmedetomidine for endodontic intervention in young
and nervous children.
Methods: In this prospective pilot study, 10 apprehensive (2–6-year-olds with ASA status I) children between the ages
of 2 and 6 were scheduled for sedation for a primary molar pulpectomy. An initial 1 mg/kg propofol bolus was followed
by an intravenous dexmedetomidine dose of 0.2-0.8 mg/kg. In order to meet Houpt’s total behavior score of 4, sedation
was titrated Rescue propofol boluses (1 mg/kg) were given if the sedation wasn’t strong enough to keep the patient
comfortable. Vitals were checked every five minutes, and the Alderete Modified Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System
was used to measure recovery. Patients’ vital signs fluctuated by up to 20% at baseline, resulting in adverse events such
as stridor, laryngitis, apnea, desaturation, tachycardia, and more.
Results: According to the study’s protocol, the surgery was performed successfully in all of the participants under the
present sedation regime. In eight of the patients, propofol boluses were required for rescue. Both during and after the
operation, there were no unfavorable changes in vital signs or adverse events to report.
Conclusion: Pediatric endodontic procedures may be safely and effectively sedated using intravenous Dexmedetomidine.
