Effect of increasing depth of dexmedetomidine anesthesia on upper airway morphology in children.

Objective: This prospective study examines the dose-response effects of dexmedetomidine on upper airway morphology in children with no obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Aim: To determine the effect of increasing doses of dexmedetomidine on static and dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) images of the upper airway in spontaneously breathing children with no OSA.

Background: General anesthetics and sedatives attenuate upper airway muscle activity, rendering the airway vulnerable to obstruction.