Long QT syndrome unmasked by dexmedetomidine: a case report

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is used frequently for short-term sedation in children. It has been noted to cause hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, and sinus pauses; however, QTc prolongation has not been reported with dexmedetomidine administration. We describe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCongenital heart disease Vol. 9; no. 1; p. E11
Main Authors Burns, Kristin M, Greene, E Anne
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.2014
Subjects
Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists - adverse effects
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents - therapeutic use
Dexmedetomidine - adverse effects
Electrocardiography
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives - adverse effects
Infant
Long QT Syndrome - chemically induced
Long QT Syndrome - diagnosis
Long QT Syndrome - drug therapy
Male
Risk Factors
Treatment Outcome
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Critical Care
Dexmedetomidine
QT Prolongation
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Summary:Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is used frequently for short-term sedation in children. It has been noted to cause hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, and sinus pauses; however, QTc prolongation has not been reported with dexmedetomidine administration. We describe a case of marked QT prolongation with use of dexmedetomidine in a pediatric critical care setting. Clinicians should be vigilant about potential QT prolongation in patients on dexmedetomidine, particularly in those receiving multiple other medications.
ISSN:1747-0803
DOI:10.1111/chd.12055