SynthesisYonsei medical journal2025
Dexmedetomidine in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Synthesis in Yonsei medical journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for sedation in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial.Journal of anesthesia, analgesia and critical care · 2026Article
- Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine-Associated Bradycardia and Related Drug-Drug Interactions Using Electronic Health Record (EHR) and miRNA Target Analysis.Current issues in molecular biology · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeChildren undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) require effective sedation to reduce anxiety and discomfort. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-receptor agonist, presents as a viable sedative alternative. However, its clinical outcomes for critically ill, mechanically ventilated children remain to be fully established. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of dexmedetomidine in such patients. MATERIALS AND
methodsA systematic search was conducted up to April 2024. RCTs that compare dexmedetomidine with other sedatives in mechanically ventilated children were included. This analysis focused on both the clinical and safety outcomes through meta-analysis.
resultsIncluded in the analysis were eight trials, involving a total of 387 mechanically ventilated children. Compared to other sedatives, dexmedetomidine reduced the duration of MV [mean difference -3.54 hours; 95% confidence interval (CI), -6.49 to -0.59], particularly in post-operative patients and when compared to fentanyl. However, dexmedetomidine did not significantly impact the length of ICU stay, duration of sedation, or the necessity for additional sedatives. Dexmedetomidine was associated with a significantly increased risk of bradycardia [odds ratio (OR) 6.14; 95% CI, 2.20 to 17.12] and hypotension (OR 8.14; 95% CI, 1.37 to 48.31) compared to other sedatives.
conclusionAlthough dexmedetomidine notably diminished the duration of MV, the potential for adverse effects necessitates further investigation. Large RCTs are needed to validate our findings and refine sedation management in mechanically ventilated children in PICU.
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