A randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled study of the use of dexmedetomidine alone for procedural sedation of children and adolescents undergoing MRI scans.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2-adrenergic agonist originally approved for sedation of adults in the intensive care unit and subsequently approved for procedural sedation in adults undergoing medical procedures. Dexmedetomidine is widely used off-label for procedural sedation in children. AIMS: To evaluate efficacy and safety of monotherapy dexmedetomidine for magnetic resonance imaging procedural sedation of children ≥1month-<17years across three ascending doses. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study of procedural sedation recruited patients at USA and Japanese sites from February 2020 to November 2021. Patients were stratified into Cohort A (≥1month-<2years) or Cohort B (≥2-<17years). Cohort A loading doses/maintenance infusions: 0.5 mcg/kg/0.5 mcg/kg/h, 1.0 mcg/kg/1.0 mcg/kg/h, and 1.5 mcg/kg/1.5 mcg/kg/h. Cohort B loading doses/maintenance infusions: 0.5 mcg/kg/0.5 mcg/kg/h, 1.2 mcg/kg/1.0 mcg/kg/h, and 2.0 mcg/kg/1.5 mcg/kg/h. Primary endpoint was percentage of overall patients completing MRI without rescue propofol at the high versus low dose. Key secondary endpoint was percentage in each age cohort who did not require propofol at the high versus low dose. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients received high- (n = 38), middle- (n = 42), or low-dose (n = 42) dexmedetomidine. A greater percentage completed MRI without propofol rescue, while receiving high- versus low-dose dexmedetomidine (24/38 [63.2%] vs. 6/42 [14.3%]) (odds ratio: 10.29, 95% confidence interval: 3.47-30.50, p < .001). Similar results were seen in both age cohorts. The most common adverse events were bradypnea, bradycardia, hypertension, and hypotension, and the majority were of mild-to-moderate severity. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine was well tolerated. The high dose was associated with meaningfully greater efficacy compared with lower doses. Based on these results, the recommended starting dose for procedural sedation in children ≥1month-<2years is loading dose 1.5 mcg/kg/maintenance infusion 1.5 mcg/kg/h; children ≥2-<17years is loading dose 2.0 mcg/kg/maintenance infusion 1.5 mcg/kg/h.

Case Report of Midazolam Withdrawal-Induced Catatonia in a 9-Year-Old Patient.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal-induced catatonia is a rare phenomenon in the adult population and has never been reported in a pediatric patient. We present a 9-year-old boy who exhibited catatonia symptoms following discontinuation of a midazolam infusion in the pediatric intensive care unit. The pediatric anesthesia acute pain team was consulted. When the patient's altered mental status could not otherwise be explained, benzodiazepine withdrawal-induced catatonia was considered. A dose of 2 mg intravenous lorazepam was given and the patient's symptoms dramatically improved within 5 minutes of administration. The patient was successfully treated with an oral diazepam taper.

Treatment of posttraumatic supraorbital neuralgia using pulsed radiofrequency ablation.

Supraorbital neuralgia, although an uncommon disorder, is the most frequent extracranial neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve. There are several small case studies reporting treatment outcomes offered by various types of medical management and even surgical treatment. We present the case of a 36-year-old female patient who developed debilitating supraorbital neuralgia after a concussion and unsuccessful medical management. She underwent 2 treatments with pulsed radiofrequency ablation that resulted in significant relief, allowing her to return to work and normal daily activities. Pulsed radiofrequency ablation offers a nonsurgical option for patients with this painful disorder.