Application of dexmedetomidine in obstetric anesthesia & analgesia

Abstract

Background Although emerging evidence shows that dexmedetomidine (Dex) has unique advantages in obstetric anesthesia & analgesia, clinical trials using Dex as an obstetric medication have been relatively rare in China. Objective To review and discuss the benefits and potential application of Dex in obstetric anesthesia & analgesia. Content Dex is demonstrated to be a safe general anesthetics with or without minor adverse effects to neonates, and it was also reported to reduce the toxic effects of sevoflurane and ketamine on neonates. Dex has been used in obstetrics for intravenous analgesia and intrathecal anesthesia. In these applications, Dex relieves symptoms commonly seen in pregnant women during perinatal period, such as shivering, nausea, and vomiting, and maintains normal contraction of uterus during labor under general anesthesia. Dex also possesses some properties allowing it suitable for anesthesia in tracheal intubation, including minor respiratory suppression, efficient sedative action, non-effect on wakefulness. However, it is still early to apply Dex as a routine medication in obstetric anesthesia & analgesia, and further investigations are warranted to verify its safety, indications, and contraindications. Trend Dex may be a new drug choice for optimizing obstetric anesthesia & analgesia. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Obstetric anesthesia; Analgesia; Clinical study