ISSN: 2642-1143
Authors: Parikh PR , Parikh PP , Farah H and Steinbeck K
Background: While there have been a few cases of dexmedetomidine induced polyuria mainly in the setting of anesthesia during surgery, there have been few reports of this serious complication in the ICU. Here, we present a unique case of Precedex induced diabetes insipidus and highlight the importance of its increased awareness considering the widespread use of this medication. Case Summary: We present a case of diabetes insipidus induced by Dexmedetomidine in the intensive care setting. The patient was admitted with acute respiratory failure requiring sedation and mechanical ventilation. The patient developed polyuria and severe hypernatremia during infusion of Precedex, the only one of its kind. The urine output decreased and the electrolyte abnormalities improved significantly after stopping the medication. A literature search was also conducted through the PubMed and SCOPUS databases with the search terms “dexmedetomidine” AND “polyuria.” All found articles were included in the review, but full-texts for two were not accessible. Factors analyzed included infusion rate of dexmedetomidine,onset of diuresis relative to infusion, the setting (ICU, surgery, etc.), and other methods of sedation used in the patient’s care. Conclusion: As dexmedetomidine is used more frequently in intensive care units throughout the world, critical care physicians should become increasingly aware of this potentially severe side effect of the drug and should closely monitor urine output,osmolality and serum electrolytes while patients receive the drug.
Keywords: Anesthesia; Critical Care; Dexmedetomidine; Diabetes Insipidus; Intensive Care Unit; Polyuria
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