Neonatal effects and uterine contraction of dexmedetomidine in the cesarean section under general anesthesia

Abstract

Objective To investigate the neonatal effects and uterine contraction of dexmedetomidine in the cesarean section under general anesthesia. Methods Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Ⅰ or Ⅱ parturients with a single baby at full term in vertex presentation, scheduled for caesarean section under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into two groups: Group dexmedetomidine (Group D; n=20) and group normal saline (Group N; n=20) using a computer-generated randomization list. The group D received an intravenous infusion loading dose of 0.6 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine, starting 10 min before induction of anesthesia, following with an intravenous infusion 0.4 μg/(kg·h) of dexmedetomidine until peritoneal closure. The group N received an intravenous infusion of isovolumic of normal saline. The umbilical vein blood was drawn for gas analysis, and the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were also recorded after delivery. The blood loss, the urinary volume, and the dosage of oxytocin were recorded. The uterine contraction and the quality of tracheal extubation were assessed. Results No statistical differences were found about the umbilical vein blood gas analysis and the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min after delivery (P>0.05). Compared to group N, patients in group D had less blood loss [(226.8±55.9)ml vs (315.1±80.0)ml, P<0.01], more urinary volume [(380.2±169.0)ml vs (250.3±109.1)ml, P<0.01], less supplementary oxytocin [(2.8±2.6)U vs (5.6±4.0)U, P<0.05], lower degree of uterine contraction (P<0.05) and better quality of tracheal extubation (P<0.05). Conclusions The efficacy of dexmedetomidine combined general anesthesia is better for cesarean section without obvious adverse effects on parturients and neonates. Key words: Dexmedetomidine/TU; Cesarean section; Anesthesia, general; Infant, newborn; Uterine contraction/DE