Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate in preventing junctional ectopic tachycardia after pediatric cardiac surgery

Background Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a serious tachyarrhythmia following pediatric cardiac surgery. It isn't easy to treat and better to be prevented. This study aimed to examine the prophylactic effects of dexmedetomidine, MgSO 4 , or their combination in reducing JET following pediatric open cardiac surgery. Methods Hundred and twenty children under 5 years, weighing more than 5 kg, who were scheduled for corrective acyanotic cardiac surgeries were randomized into three groups. Group MD (Dexmedetomidine–MgSO 4 group): received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg IV over 20 min after induction, then infusion 0.5 μg/kg/h for 72 h, and 50 mg/kg bolus of MgSO 4 with aortic cross‐clamp release, then continued administration for 72 h postoperatively at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day. Group D (the dexmedetomidine group) received the same dexmedetomidine as the MD group in addition to normal saline instead of MgSO 4 . Group C (control group): received normal saline instead of dexmedetomidine and MgSO 4 . The primary outcome was the detection of JET incidence; the secondary outcomes were hemodynamic parameters, ionized Mg, vasoactive‐inotropic score, extubation time, PCCU and hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Results The incidence of JET was significantly reduced in Group MD and Group D ( p = .007) compared to Group C. Ionized Mg was significantly higher in Group MD than in Groups D and C during rewarming and in the ICU ( p < .001). Better hemodynamic profile in Group MD compared to Group D and Group C throughout surgery and in the ICU, the predictive indexes were significantly better in Group MD than in Groups D and C ( p < .001). Including the extubation time, PCCU, and hospital stay. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine alone or combined with MgSO 4 had a therapeutic role in the prevention of JET in children after congenital heart surgery.