Intraoperative hypernatremia and polyuric syndrome induced by dexmedetomidine

J Anesth. 2013 Aug;27(4):599-603. doi: 10.1007/s00540-013-1562-3. Epub 2013 Feb 3.

Abstract

Hypernatremia and polyuria are the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus. Polyuria is characterized by a 24-h urine volume in excess of 40-50 ml/kg in adults. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective, short-acting intravenous alpha-2 agonist, is used as a component of anesthesia, and has been suspected to induce polyuric syndrome. We report a patient who presented with severe hypernatremia and polyuria after intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / adverse effects*
  • Dexmedetomidine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypernatremia / chemically induced*
  • Infusions, Intravenous / methods
  • Intraoperative Complications / chemically induced*
  • Polyuria / chemically induced*
  • Spinal Fusion / methods

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Dexmedetomidine