Intranasal dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine (IN-DEX) is a promising agent for pediatric procedural sedation due to its non-invasive route and favorable safety profile. However, a comprehensive synthesis quantifying its clinical timeline and safety as monotherapy is lacking. This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and adverse events of IN-DEX as a standalone sedative in children.

Methods

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420250652456), this meta-analysis systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SciELO for intranasal dexmedetomidine monotherapy in children under 18 years from January 1, 2003, to July 1, 2025. Key outcomes included sedation success, onset, and duration. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, with risk-of-bias assessed v

SUBMITTER: Rocha KO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797056 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature