A case of fetal bradycardia following dexmedetomidine bolus

We report a case of fetal bradycardia immediately following the maternal administration of an intravenous bolus of dexmedetomidine for transesophageal echocardiography. Dexmedetomidine, a central acting selective alpha-2 agonist is increasingly being used for sedation. Little is known regarding placental transfer of dexmedetomide with most reports suggesting minimal transfer. A case of fetal bradycardia resulting from its administration has not been previously reported.