Comparing the efficacy of different doses of intrathecal dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics with ropivacaine spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to assess the dose-related efficacy of intrathecal dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics following ropivacaine (ROP) spinal anesthesia (SA) for cesarean section (CS).Methods: This was a double-blind trial conducted on four groups namely D2.5, D5, D7.5, and placebo. One hundred and twenty patients scheduled for nonemergency CS under SA were recruited and randomized into four groups. The first to fourth groups received 2.5 μg, 5 μg, and 7.5 μg of intrathecal DEX and 1.5 mL normal saline, respectively, in addition to ROP for SA. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), arterial blood saturation, sensory motor block, and pain score were recorded.Results: The lowest BP/HR was observed in D7.5 group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the onset and duration of sensory motor block were shorter (P = 0.0001) and showed the lowest level of pain (P = 0.0001) in D7.5 group. Decrease in BP, HR, and pain score was observed with increasing dose of DEX, whereas the onset of sensory motor block and the time to achieve sensory motor block to ≥T6 declined with increasing the dose of DEX.Conclusion: The 7.5-μg intrathecal DEX is recommended to use for stabling the hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics following ROP SA for CS. However, likely complications such as fall in both HR and BP should be taken into account simultaneously.