Abstract
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective α2 receptor agonist that is widely used as a sedative drug in intensive care units (ICUs). We experienced two cases in which hyperthermia developed under long-term administration of DEX. Propofol and DEX were started as sedative drugs during artificial respiration immediately after entry to the ICU. Body temperature rose to around 39°C during administration of DEX and the high temperature continued for several days. We searched for the cause of the high temperature, with a particular focus on infection, but we were unable to identify the heat source. The general condition of each patient was stable despite the high temperature, and the temperature lowered in several hours when DEX administration was suspended after extubation. In case 2, body temperature rose again after re-administration of DEX, and thus we suspected that drug-induced fever was the probable cause of the high temperature. These cases indicate that a high body temperature may be a problem in long-term administration of DEX. We suggest that caution regarding non-infectious drug-induced fever is required in use of DEX.
