Endovenous Dexmedetomidine in Pediatric Patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder Undergoing General Anesthesia

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are a heterogeneous group and often need general anesthesia for different procedures and studies. They present with abnormal development in social interaction, communication and sterotyped patterns of behavior and may be more prone to elevated perioperative anxiety. Familiarity with each patient’s behavioral specifics and efforts to alleviate stress is of paramount importance for a smooth perioperative course with minimal events. The perioperative experience for these patients is complex and presents a unique challenge for clinicians. The main targets of these patients are rapid recovery, smooth postoperative pain, early discharge and low stress during the peroperative period [1]. There appears to be little literature in paediatric anaesthetic practice relevant to children suffering with autism. Recent findings suggest a need for rigorous study of the potential problems that autistic children may have when undergoing an anaesthetic.