Discussion
neurotoxicity
SEPARATION
Dexmedetomidine is an interesting alternative to midazolam as premedication and could result in a good adherence of young patients. Several studies demonstrated the superiority of dexmedetomidine over midazolam in terms of producing satisfactory separation from parents when used as premedication [Neither of these studies investigated the use of dexmedetomidine as premedication for short ambulatory procedures as MRI (less than an hour), and its potential effects on the post-sedation period by comparing the time to recovery and the length of stay in the hospital before discharge after the administration of midazolam or dexmedetomidine.In addition, the use of dexmedetomidine could optimize a propofol-based sedation by synergistic effect with propofol [Moreover, increasing numbers of clinical research have reported that propofol may induce developmental neurotoxicity in young patients and infants. The synergistic effect between propofol and dexmedetomidine would result in a decrease in the total dose of propofol administered during sedation. Even if the literature does not indicate if this effect is dose dependent, in vitro experimental models indicate that dexmedetomidine may have a neuroprotective effect on propofol-induced neurotoxicity; the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully understood [