Dexmedetomidine's effect on neonatal sedation, pain, respiratory status and cardiovascular system

Marjorie M Makoni; Ivonne Sierra-Strum; Adrianne R Bischoff; Jamie L Miller; Lise DeShea; William Howard Beasley; Edgardo Szyld

doi:10.1038/s41372-025-02339-5

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Dexmedetomidine's effect on neonatal sedation, pain, respiratory status and cardiovascular system

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Dexmedetomidine's effect on neonatal sedation, pain, respiratory status and cardiovascular system

Marjorie M Makoni, Ivonne Sierra-Strum, Adrianne R Bischoff, Jamie L Miller, Lise DeShea, William Howard Beasley and Edgardo Szyld

Journal of perinatology, Vol.45(12), pp.1686-1692

12/2025

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-025-02339-5

PMID: 40908310

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Abstract

To describe the effects of dexmedetomidine on sedation, pain, respiratory status, and hemodynamics in neonates. A retrospective study of 206 infants in a level IV NICU (2016-2021) receiving continuous dexmedetomidine infusion. Pain/sedation scores, BP, vasopressor and inotrope score (VIS), and concomitant sedatives/analgesics (CSA) were recorded before and every 3-4 h for 24 h. Median PMA:32 weeks. Hypotension occurred in 26%, primarily in infants <32weeks PMA, correlating with higher VIS and CSA. CSA use significantly predicted vasopressors/inotrope use. Dexmedetomidine, with CSA, increases cardiovascular instability in preterm infants who have unique myocardial structure and function and therefore higher vulnerability. None (not applicable).

Details

Title: Subtitle: Dexmedetomidine's effect on neonatal sedation, pain, respiratory status and cardiovascular system
Creators: Marjorie M Makoni - University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Ivonne Sierra-Strum - Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Adrianne R Bischoff - University of Iowa
Jamie L Miller - University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Lise DeShea - University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
William Howard Beasley - University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Edgardo Szyld - Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of perinatology, Vol.45(12), pp.1686-1692
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-025-02339-5
PMID: 40908310
NLM abbreviation: J Perinatol
ISSN: 1476-5543
eISSN: 1476-5543
Publisher: SPRINGERNATURE
Grant note: R25MD011564 / U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 09/04/2025
Date published: 12/2025
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Neonatology
Record Identifier: 9984958287502771

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