Sedation in intensive care unit: Is Dexmedetomidine the best choice?

Dexmedetomidine-mediated sleep phase modulation ameliorates motor and cognitive performance in a chronic blast-injured mouse model

Multiple studies have shown that blast injury is followed by sleep disruption linked to functional sequelae. It is well established that improving sleep ameliorates such functional deficits. However, little is known about longitudinal brain activity changes after blast injury. In addition, the effects of directly modulating the sleep/wake cycle on learning task performance after blast injury remain unclear. We hypothesized that modulation of the sleep phase cycle in our injured mice would improve post-injury task performance. Here, we have demonstrated that excessive sleep electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns are accompanied by prominent motor and cognitive impairment during acute stage after secondary blast injury (SBI) in a mouse model. Over time we observed a transition to more moderate and prolonged sleep/wake cycle disturbances, including changes in theta and alpha power. However, persistent disruptions of the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) spindle amplitude and intra-spindle frequency were associated with lasting motor and cognitive deficits. We, therefore, modulated the sleep phase of injured mice using subcutaneous (SC) dexmedetomidine (Dex), a common, clinically used sedative. Dex acutely improved intra-spindle frequency, theta and alpha power, and motor task execution in chronically injured mice. Moreover, dexmedetomidine ameliorated cognitive deficits a week after injection. Our results suggest that SC Dex might potentially improve impaired motor and cognitive behavior during daily tasks in patients that are chronically impaired by blast-induced injuries.

Challenges in Sedation Management in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: a Brief Review

Purpose of Review

To highlight the challenges associated with providing sedation and analgesia to critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also understand the pathophysiological alterations induced by the disease process as well as the logistical difficulties encountered by providers caring for these patients. We also discuss the rationale and risks associated with the use of common sedative agents specifically within the context of COVID-19 and provide evidence-based management strategies to help manage sedation and analgesia in such patients.

Recent Findings

A significant proportion of patients with COVID-19 require intensive care and mechanical ventilation, thus requiring sedation and analgesia. These patients tend to require higher doses of sedative medications and often for long periods of time. Most of the commonly used sedative and analgesic agents carry unique risks that should be considered within the context of the unique pathophysiology of COVID-19, the logistical issues the disease poses, and the ongoing drug shortages.

Summary

With little attention being paid to sedation practices specific to patients with COVID-19 in critical care literature and minimal mention in national guidelines, there is a significant gap in knowledge. We review the existing literature to discuss the unique challenges that providers face while providing sedation and analgesia to critically ill patients with COVID-19 and propose evidence-based management strategies.

Emergency Corrective Surgery of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia With Pulmonary Hypertension: Prolonged Use of Dexmedetomidine as a Pharmacologic Adjunct

INTRODUCTION

Underdevelopment of the lung parenchyma associated with abnormal growth of pulmonary vasculature in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia results in pulmonary hypertension which mandates smooth elective mechanical ventilation in postoperative period, for proper alveolar recruitment and oxygenation, allowing lungs to mature enough for its functional anatomy and physiology. Dexmedetomidine is sympatholytic, reduces pulmonary vascular resistance and exerts sedative and analgesic property to achieve stable hemodynamics during elective ventilation. Neonatal experience with dexmedetomidine has been predominately in the form of short term or procedural use as a sedative.

CASE PRESENTATION

The preliminary clinical experience with pre-induction to 48 hours postoperative use of dexmedetomidine infusion as a pharmacologic adjunct in the emergency corrective surgery of three such neonates are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamics remained virtually stable during the whole procedure and post-operative pain relief and recovery profile were satisfactory. The prolonged infusion was well tolerated with a gradual trend towards improved oxygen saturation. Careful planning of the anesthetic management and the ability to titrate the adjunct utilized for smooth postoperative ventilation are the keys to ameliorate the complications encountered and favorable outcomes achieved in such patients.