Low Dose Dexmedetomidine as a Postoperative Pain Adjunct

Launched by CHILDREN'S MERCY HOSPITAL KANSAS CITY · Sep 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Patients will assigned to one of two groups. Either the intervention group where they will receive a dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.2mcg/kg/hr for 48 hours post-operatively or the control group where they will receive a normal saline infusion for 48 hours post-operatively in addition to our hospitals standard pain management protocol. Pain scores will be recorded and patients will fill out a brief questionnaire every 48hours about their pain control and side effects (pruritus, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness).

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis
• • Undergoing a posterior spinal fusion of at least 5 levels with both thoracic and lumbar involvement
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Known allergy to dexmedetomidine or any of the standard medications used intra or post operatively
• • Patients with a history of chronic pain currently taking opioids, TCA's, Gabapentinoids
• • Medical contraindications to administration of dexmedetomidine, unstable cardiac status, (prolonged Qtc, life threatening arrhythmias, use of digoxin)
• • Moya Moya disease