DEXMEDETOMIDINE AS A CARDIAC PROTECTOR IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The article addresses the effects of dexmedetomidine as a cardioprotective agent in children undergoing surgery, with an emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular complications, such as arrhythmias, hemodynamic stabilization, and myocardial stress during the postoperative period. In this context, a total of 25 articles from the PubMed database and the Virtual Health Library (VHL) were used. Only randomized clinical trials and case reports were utilized to investigate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in different cardiovascular risk contexts, especially in children undergoing surgical or invasive procedures. The results indicated that dexmedetomidine was effective in reducing postoperative arrhythmias, improving hemodynamic stability, and decreasing cardiovascular stress, particularly in patients at high risk of ischemia or severe complications. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias was also significantly reduced, contributing to a more stable and faster recovery. In conclusion, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the significance of dexmedetomidine as a cardioprotective agent in pediatric patients and be able to assess the best way to use the drug.