Intravenous Clonidine: A Useful and Safety Sedation for Critically Ill Children

Abstract

Aim: To determine usefulness and safety of intravenous in-fusion of clonidine in critically-ill children. Methods: Prospective, single-centre observational study from January 2013 to December 2014. PICU of Hospital Sant Joan Déu. Results: 73 patients were enrolled. Median age 7.9 months. Reasons for admission: Respiratory failure (42.5%) and post-cardiac surgery (30.1%). Median PICU length of stay: 14 days. 72 patients were intubated. The median days of clonidine use was 4. Reason for choosing clonidine: To im-prove prior sedation. We found no major adverse effects but some asymptomatic bradycardia. Conclusions: Clonidine seems to be a good alternative for sedation in critically-ill children.