Dexmedetomidine Opioid Sparing Effect in Mechanically Ventilated Children (DOSE): Trial of Fentanyl versus Fentanyl + Dexmedetomidine for Maintenance of Sedation

Objectives This article observes the mean daily dose of fentanyl required for adequate sedation in critically ill, mechanically ventilated children randomized to receive dexmedetomidine or placebo. Methods We conducted Dexmedetomidine Opioid Sparing Effect in Mechanically Ventilated Children (DOSE), a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating trial. We enrolled children aged 35 weeks postmenstrual to 17 years (inclusive) admitted across 13 pediatric multidisciplinary and cardiac intensive care units. Adequate sedation was based on a State Behavioral Score and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of –1 or lower. Only the first two dexmedetomidine dosing cohorts opened for enrollment, due to early trial closure during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Thirty children were randomized over 13 months and included in the analyses. Results Demographic and baseline characteristics were not different between dexmedetomidine and placebo cohorts. Similarly, mean daily fentanyl use was not different, using an unadjusted mixed regression model that considered treatment, time, and a treatment-by-time interaction. Adverse events and safety events of special interest were not different between cohorts. Conclusion The DOSE trial revealed that dexmedetomidine added to fentanyl does not impact safety and may not spare fentanyl use in critically ill children, although the trial did not meet its recruitment goals, due to early closure during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. More rigorous inpatient pediatric trials like DOSE that study critically ill, mechanically ventilated children are needed. Despite the many obstacles faced, the DOSE trial presents challenges from which the greater research community can learn and use to optimize future therapeutic trials in children.