Dexmedetomidine Use in Infants Undergoing Cooling Due to Neonatal Encephalopathy (DICE Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial: Background, Aims and Study Protocol.

ABSTRACT: Background: Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of neonatal death and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes worldwide. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH), while beneficial, still leaves many HIE treated infants with lifelong disabilities. Furthermore, infants undergoing TH often require treatment for pain and agitation which may lead to further brain injury. For instance, morphine use in animal models has been shown to induce neuronal apoptosis. Dexmedetomidine is a potent α₂-adrenergic receptor agonist that may be a better alternative to morphine for newborns with HIE treated with TH. Dexmedetomidine provides sedation, analgesia, and prevents shivering but does not suppress ventilation. Importantly, there is increasing evidence that dexmedetomidine h

SUBMITTER: Baserga M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8915736 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature