Dexmedetomidine and Dobutamine combination: A novel strategy for sedation and hemodynamic stability during ventilator weaning in pediatric patients

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is favored in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) for its minimal respiratory depression and ability to provide cooperative sedation. However, its use is often complicated by dose-dependent cardiovascular side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension, which can impede ventilator weaning processes. This study evaluates the efficacy of combining dexmedetomidine with dobutamine to mitigate these side effects and enhance the success of weaning critically ill pediatric patients from mechanical ventilation.