Evaluation of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine as a Procedural Sedative for Ophthalmic Examination of Children With Glaucoma

Precis: This study evaluated 2 doses of intranasal dexmedetomidine (IND) (3.0 and 3.5 µg/kg) as a procedural sedative for postoperative examination of children with glaucoma. A dose of 3.5 µg/kg was more efficacious and obviated the need for repeated general anesthesia. Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the safety and effective dose of IND as a procedural sedative for postoperative follow-up examinations after glaucoma surgery in children in place of repeated examination under anesthesia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized double-blinded interventional study, consecutive children aged 6 months to 6 years were randomized to receive 3.0 and 3.5 µg/kg IND using a mucosal atomizer device in the preoperative area of the operating room, under continuous monitoring of vital signs. Intranasal midazolam 0.25 mg/kg was used as a rescue agent in case of inadequate sedation, and general anesthesia was administered in case of persistent failure. All infants underwent a complete anterior and posterior segment evaluation including intraocular pressure and corneal diameter measurements. Results: A total of 30 and 31 children aged 23.9±15.0 and 19.2±10.1 months, respectively, received 3.0 and 3.5 µg/kg IND. Adequate sedation was possible in 18 of 30 (60%) children receiving 3.0 µg/kg and 24 of 31 (77.4%) receiving 3.5 µg/kg IND alone ( P =0.17). In combination with midazolam, successful sedations were 86.6% versus 100%, respectively ( P =0.052). One patient in the 3.5 µg/kg group had ventricular arrhythmia, reversed with dextrose-saline infusion and injection glycopyrrolate. Conclusions: IND appears to be a safe and effective procedural sedative for postoperative follow-up examinations of pediatric glaucoma patients at doses of 3 and 3.5 µg/kg. The dose of 3.5 µg/kg was successful in more children.