Sedative medications: a potentially modifiable risk factor for improving neurocognitive outcomes after critical illness in infants and children - Takeaways - MDSpire

Sedative Use as a Potentially Alterable Risk Factor for Enhancing Neurocognitive Outcomes in Infants and Children Following Critical Illness

  • By

  • Alana GaHyun Byeon

  • Marina Mir

  • Angela Jerath

  • Marat Slessarev

  • Saptharishi Lalgudi Ganesan

  • Nicole K. McKinnon

  • July 20, 2026

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  • 1

    Critically ill infants and children often require prolonged sedation, which can lead to neurocognitive impairments post-recovery.

  • 2

    Benzodiazepines are linked to increased risks of delirium and adverse cognitive outcomes in pediatric patients.

  • 3

    Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, may offer lower delirium risk and potential neuroprotective effects.

  • 4

    Sedation practices in PICUs, including sedative class selection and polypharmacy, can influence neurocognitive outcomes.

  • 5

    Research highlights the need for further studies on inhaled anesthetics used for sedation in critically ill children.

Original Source(s)

Sedative medications: a potentially modifiable risk factor for improving neurocognitive outcomes after critical illness in infants and children

  • by Alana GaHyun Byeon, Marina Mir, Angela Jerath, Marat Slessarev, Saptharishi Lalgudi Ganesan, Nicole K. McKinnon

  • July 20, 2026

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