Successful use of dexmedetomidine for sedation in a 24-week gestational age neonate.

Objective: To describe a case of dexmedetomidine use for sedation in a 24-week gestational age premature neonate.

Case Summary: A 9-day-old, 24-week gestational age male neonate on high-frequency oscillatory mechanical ventilation was experiencing severe agitation refractory to high-dose intravenous narcotics and benzodiazepines. Since the infant's respiratory stability was reliant on adequate sedation, he was given dexmedetomidine after several days of suboptimal response to escalation of standard agents.