Apparent dexmedetomidine-induced polyuric syndrome in an achondroplastic patient undergoing posterior spinal fusion

Anesth Analg. 2011 Dec;113(6):1381-3. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31823299c1. Epub 2011 Oct 14.

Abstract

A 40-year-old achondroplastic patient underwent posterior spinal fusion under general endotracheal anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane, and sufentanil, dexmedetomidine, and lidocaine infusions. Urine output increased from 150 mL/hr to 950 mL/hr the fourth hour. An increasing serum sodium, low urine-specific gravity, and increased serum osmolarity occurred simultaneously with the polyuria. Within 2 hours of discontinuing the dexmedetomidine infusion urine output greatly decreased. Within 24 hours all signs of the polyuric syndrome resolved spontaneously. Alpha(2) agonists block arginine-vasopressin release and action; however, a polyuric syndrome has not been reported in the human literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achondroplasia / drug therapy
  • Achondroplasia / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Dexmedetomidine / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polyuria / chemically induced*
  • Polyuria / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Fusion* / adverse effects
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Dexmedetomidine