More than Drug Fever: Dexmedetomidine-Induced Hyperthermia in a Critically Ill Patient

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist utilized for sedation in critically ill patients. 1 We present the case of a morbidly obese critically ill patient who experienced profound hyperthermia, with a maximum temperature of 41.4°C, hours after starting a dexmedetomidine infusion that was otherwise not explained by her clinical diagnoses. The hyperthermia resolved hours following cessation of the infusion. Dexmedetomidine was assessed as probable in terms of causing this adverse effect. Dexmedetomidine may be associated not only with low-grade fever, but as demonstrated in our case, it may be associated with significant temperature elevations requiring cessation of therapy to restore normothermia.