Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion Research Articles

The effect of intraoperative low-dose ketamine versus dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative bowel recovery in patients undergoing gastrointestinal malignancy surgeries: Placebo-controlled, randomized trial

Abstract Background and Aims: No studies have compared the effects of ketamine and dexmedetomidine on bowel recovery. We evaluated the effects of intraoperative low-dose ketamine or dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative bowel recovery in patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy surgeries. Material and Methods: This placebo-controlled, randomized study was carried out in 84 American Society of Anesthesiologists II patients, aged 18–70 years, of either gender, undergoing elective open GI malignancy surgeries. Patients received intraoperative infusion of ketamine @ 0.1 mg kg-1 h-1 (KET), dexmedetomidine @ 0.25 μg kg-1 h-1 (DEX), or normal saline (placebo). Primary outcome was the time to first flatus and/or stool. Secondary outcomes included time to extubation, total analgesic requirement, postoperative pain scores, time to feeds, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and the incidence of adverse events. Continuous data were analyzed by the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal–Wallis test. Categorical data were analyzed by the Chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test. Results: Median time to passage of flatus and/or stool was 3 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–3] days in the KET group, 2 [IQR 2–3] days in the DEX group, and 2 [IQR 2–3] days in the placebo group (P = 0.53 for placebo vs. KET, 0.81 for placebo vs. DEX, and 0.99 for KET vs. DEX). Pain scores and analgesic consumption were significantly less in the intervention groups versus placebo (P < 0.001). No difference was seen in other secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Low-dose ketamine or dexmedetomidine did not result in early bowel recovery despite lower pain scores and opioid consumption in patients undergoing open GI malignancy surgeries. Key Message: What is known: Ketamine and dexmedetomidine may promote bowel recovery by improving analgesia and decreasing opioid usage.Main findings: This randomized controlled trial found no evidence of earlier bowel recovery with ketamine or dexmedetomidine versus placebo despite lower pain scores and analgesic consumption in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might help to preserve the cognitive function of geriatric patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery

ABSTRACT Objectives This study tried to evaluate the impact of dexmedetomidine (DXM) infusion provided during sevoflurane (SEV) anesthesia on cognitive function (CF) of elderly patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. Patients & Methods A total of 140 patients were randomly allocated into Groups S and D. All patients received SEV (0.5–1 MAC) with placebo or DXM (0.6 µg/kg/h) infusions, respectively. CF was evaluated preoperatively, 48-h, 1-wk, and 2-wk postoperative (PO) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The study outcome is the frequency and severity of PO cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Results At 48-h PO, the frequency of normal CF and scorings were significantly decreased compared to preoperative findings, but were significantly higher in group D. At 1-wk PO, the frequency of normal CF and scores increased in both groups with significant difference in favor of group D, but differences were significantly lower than in preoperative measures. At 2-wk PO, 79.3% of patients regained their normal CF, with significantly higher frequency and score for group D, and the difference compared to preoperative data was insignificant in group D, but it was significant in group S. At 48-h, scorings were positively related to using DXM but were negatively related to age, obesity, and PO analgesia. Regression analysis defined old age as negative and the use of DXM as positive predictor for high scores. Conclusion SEV anesthesia induced reversible short-term POCD. Coupling of DXM infusion with SEV anesthesia decreased the frequency and scores of POCF and fastened resumption of normal CF.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury in living donor liver transplantation recipients: A randomized controlled trial.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) that has great impact on recipient and graft outcomes. Dexmedetomidine is reported to decrease the incidence of AKI. In the current study, we investigated whether intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion would reduce the AKI following LDLT. In total, 205 adult patients undergoing elective LDLT were randomly assigned to the dexmedetomidine group (n=103) or the control group (n=102). Dexmedetomidine group received continuous dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.4mcgּ/kg/hr after the anesthesia induction until 2 hours after graft reperfusion. The primary outcome was to compare the incidence of AKI. Secondary outcomes included serial lactate levels during surgery, chronic kidney disease, major adverse cardiovascular events, early allograft dysfunction, graft failure, overall mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters were also collected. Of 205 recipients, 42.4% (n=87) developed AKI. The incidence of AKI was lower in the dexmedetomidine group (35.0%, n=36/103) compared with the control (50.0%, n=51/102) ( P =0.042). There were significantly lower lactate levels in the dexmedetomidine group after reperfusion (4.39 [3.99-4.8] vs 5.02 [4.62-5.42], P =0.031) until the end of surgery (4.23 [3.73-4.73] vs 5.35 [4.84-5.85], P =0.002). There were no significant differences in the other secondary outcomes besides lactate. Also, intraoperative mean blood pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance did not show any difference. Our study suggests that intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration was associated with significantly decreased AKI incidence and lower intraoperative serum lactate levels in LDLT recipients, without untoward hemodynamic effects.

Association of chronic poststernotomy pain and health-related quality of life: a prospective cohort study.

Chronic poststernotomy pain (CPSP) after cardiac surgery is multifactorial and impacts patient recovery. We aimed to evaluate the association between CPSP severity and health-related quality of life at six months after cardiac surgery. This was a single-centre prospective cohort study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery with median sternotomy between September 2020 and March 2021. Telephone interviews were conducted at six and 12months postoperatively using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the EQ-5D-5L. Strength of correlation was described using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Multivariable regression analysis was used to account for confounding variables. A total of 252 patients responded to the six-month interview (response rate, 65%). The mean (standard deviation) age of respondents was 65 (13) yr. Twenty-nine percent of respondents (72/252) reported CPSP at six months, and 14% (41/252) reported more than mild pain (score ≥ 2/5). At 12months, of the 89% (64/72) patients who responded, 47% (30/64) still reported pain. The strength of the correlation between pain scores and EQ-5D-5L was weak (Spearman's correlation coefficient, -0.3). Risk factors for CPSP at six months included higher pain score on postoperative day 1, history of chronic pain prior to surgery, and history of depression. Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine or ketamine was associated with a reduced risk of CPSP at six months. Chronic poststernotomy pain still affects patient recovery at six and 12months after cardiac surgery. The severity of that pain is poorly correlated with patients' quality of life. www.osf.io ( https://osf.io/52rsw ); registered 14 May 2022.

Effects of dexmedetomidine dosage on the short-term cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion rates on the postoperative short-term cognitive function.MethodsA total of 88 patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2022 to November 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) were included. Based on a single-center pilot analysis, patients were divided into two groups according to the rate of intraoperative DEX infusion, which started after tracheal intubation and continued until 1 h before extubation in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit. In Group L (n = 44), the infusion rate was 0.1–0.5 µg/kg/h (low-dose group), whereas in Group H (n = 44), the infusion rate was 0.5–0.9 µg/kg/h (high-dose group). Clinical outcomes were then compared between the groups. The Mini–Mental State Evaluation (abbreviated as MMSE1, MMSE2, MMSE3, and MMSE4) scale was used for the assessment of cognitive function, which was conducted on postoperative Days 2 (T1), 7 (T2), 14 (T3), and 28 (T4), with the score from postoperative Day 2 (MMSE1) considered as the primary observation.ResultsPatients in Group L had higher MMSE1 scores compared to those in Group H (26.0 [24.0, 27.0] vs. 24.5 [22.0, 26.0], p = 0.046), and there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups at all subsequent time points. Group H exhibited a higher incidence of hypotension and bradycardia compared to Group L (p = 0.044 and p = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionsCompared to a high dose (0.5–0.9 µg/kg/h) of DEX infusion, a low-dose (0.1–0.5 µg/kg/h) infusion started after induction of anesthesia and continued until 1 h before extubation improved postoperative cognitive function scores on postoperative Day 2 in patients aged 60 years and older.Trial registrationURL: www.chictr.org.cn with registration number ChiCTR2100055093, registered on 31/12/2021.

Role of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols for Reducing Postoperative Analgesic Requirements in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeries

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity in modern societies leads to continuous growing of bariatric surgery throughout the world as it is an effective treatment for obesity. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective α2-adrenergic agonist, is an opioid-sparing adjuvant sedative that avoids respiratory depression and has been shown to be beneficial in bariatric surgery patients Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic profile of intraoperative Dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesic requirements. Patients and Methods This study was carried out at bariatric surgery unit - Ain shams University Hospitals and included 06 patients of both sexes undergoing elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Results The main finding in this study was that nalbuphine consumption was less in group D compared to group C with p value < 0.001 with high significant difference between the two groups also it revealed a high significant difference between the two groups according to time for first use of rescue analgesia. There was a highly significant difference between the two groups according to hemodynamics including (MAP & HR) but with no clinically significant differences. While there was no significant difference as regard SO2 or respiratory rate Conclusion In patients undergoing bariatric surgeries using of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion with its opioid-sparing effect enhanced the recovery of this study population of morbidly obese patients with minimal side-effects.

Determination of the ED90 of Dexmedetomidine Infusion to Prevent Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Dental Rehabilitation With Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Biased-Coin Up-and-Down Sequential Allocation Trial.

Emergence agitation (EA) is an adverse complication during early recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia. Continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) is commonly used for EA prevention. However, a wide dose range is used for preventing EA, and the optimal dose remains unknown. This study was aimed at determining the optimal dose (the 90% effective dose [ED90]) of DEX for continuous intraoperative infusion for EA prevention in children. We enrolled children aged 3 to 7 years who underwent dental treatment under sevoflurane anesthesia. DEX was continuously infused from the time of the establishment of the intravenous access until 5 minutes before the end of surgery. The initial DEX dose was 0.5 µg/kg/h, and subsequent dose adjustments were determined based on the response of the previous patient by using an up-down sequential allocation with a biased-coin design. The primary outcome was the ED90 for continuous DEX infusion based on the success or failure of the EA-preventing dose. Forty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The DEX dose ranged from 0.50 to 0.90 µg/kg/h. The estimated ED90 (95% confidence interval [CI]) for preventing EA was 0.74 µg/kg/h (0.67-1.05 µg/kg/h). The duration of surgery (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was 113 ± 30 minutes. The times (mean ± SD) for extubation, time to emergence, and recovery time were 5 ± 2 minutes, 27 ± 9 minutes, and 39 ± 7 minutes, respectively. The ED90 for continuous intraoperative DEX infusion for EA prevention in pediatric patients receiving dental treatment under sevoflurane anesthesia was 0.74 µg/kg/h (95% CI, 0.67-1.05 µg/kg/h).

Justification of the expediency of using harmless analgesia in bariatric surgery: prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: The presence of various comorbid conditions in patients with obesity increases operational risk, and high sensitivity to sedatives and opioid drugs can contribute to their aggravation.
 OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate two methods of perioperative analgesia, namely, multimodal without opioid and non-opioid when performing longitudinal gastric resection for patients with morbid obesity using the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study of patients with morbid obesity was conducted. Depending on the type of analgesic component of anesthesia, the patients are divided into two groups. In both groups, low-flow desflurane inhalation was used; in group 1 (n=30), the technique of non-opioid analgesia was used, which included intraoperative infusion of ketamine, dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and magnesium sulfate. In group 2 (n=30), traditional combined anesthesia using fentanyl was administered. In the postoperative period, the infusion of the above drugs continued for 10 h in group 1. Central and peripheral hemodynamic parameters, and the depth of anesthesia were studied, and TOF-monitoring was carried out. Postoperative rehabilitation was assessed based on the time of extubation, achievement of 13 points on the PARS scale, first getting up on ones feet, appearance of overstrain, and gas discharge. Postoperative analgesia was assessed on a 10-point visual analog scale, and anesthesia-related complications were recorded.
 RESULTS: Surgical intervention under low-flow inhalation anesthesia based on desflurane in combination with multimodal opioid-free analgesia reduced the need for opioid analgesics intraoperatively (in group 1, the fentanyl dose was 0.2 [01; 0.2] mg; in group 2 0.4 [0.3; 0.5] mg; p=0.002), provided less fluctuation of intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (AvBP: stage 1: group 1 102 [100; 103]; group 2 102 [98; 105], p=0.96; stage 2: group 1 93 [90; 95]; group 2 96 [93; 99], p=0.003; stage 3: group 1 95 [95; 97]; group 2 100 [96; 102], p 0.001; stage 4: group 1 95 [92; 97]; group 2 98 [98; 101], p 0.001; CI stage 1: group 1 492.2; group 2 49.52.2, p=0.39; stage 2: group 1 44.42; group 2 44.62.1, p=0.26; stage 3: group 1 45.52.11; group 2 50.62.8, p=0.001; stage 4: group 1 44.52.1; group 2 48.82.5 p 0.001), and contributed to a lower level of pain and faster rehabilitation. In addition, anesthesia-related complications such as postoperative nausea and vomiting, hypoxemia, and dysphoria were less frequently recorded.
 CONCLUSION: The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia contributes to a lesser fluctuation in hemodynamic parameters, a low level of postoperative pain, early activation of patients and restoration of peristalsis, and a decrease in the number of postoperative complications in patients who underwent longitudinal gastric resection for morbid obesity.

Effect of lidocaine or dexmedetomidine on postoperative recovery in elder patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Opioid sparing techniques have been shown to promote gastrointestinal recovery, shorten length of stay (LOS), and reduce opioid-related complications. We investigated whether intraoperative intravenous lidocaine or dexmedetomidine infusion could improve gastrointestinal recovery in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Ninety-six patients aged 65 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly allocated into the following three groups: the control group (N.=32) received an equal volume of saline, the lidocaine group (N.=32) received intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion, and the dexmedetomidine group (N.=32) received intraoperative intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion. The primary outcome was time to first feces. Secondary outcomes were time to first flatus, postoperative pain intensity, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) consumption, postoperative inflammatory response, postoperative complications, anesthetic adverse events, and LOS. The lidocaine group had a significantly shorter time to first flatus (24.6 [IQR, 14.4-48.8] hours vs. 48.1 [IQR, 30.0-67.1] hours; adjusted P=0.022) and time to first feces (48.0 [IQR, 19.0-67.8] hours vs. 74.8 [IQR, 40.3-113.3] hours; adjusted P=0.032) than the control group. However, no significant differences were found between dexmedetomidine and control group for first flatus or first feces. Intraoperative sufentanil consumption and postoperative plasma concentrations of IL-6 were significantly lower in lidocaine group and dexmedetomidine group compared with control group. No difference could be observed in postoperative PCIA consumption, pain scores, postoperative complications, anesthetic adverse events, and LOS among the groups. Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion accelerated return of the bowel function in elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

A comparative study of clinical effects and recovery characteristics of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion with ketamine versus fentanyl as adjuvants in general anaesthesia.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion decreases the concurrent anaesthetic and analgesic requirement. However, because of slow onset and offset, it is often used with other drugs. Opioids have a depressant effect on the cardiorespiratory system while ketamine has the opposite pharmacodynamics. Hence, it was hypothesised that ketamine will have a better intraoperative haemodynamic profile compared to fentanyl. This study compared the clinical effects and recovery characteristics of ketamine versus fentanyl when used as an adjuvant along with dexmedetomidine infusion intraoperatively. A total of 80 patients (18-60 years) undergoing major surgeries were divided into two groups: Group (D + K) received an intraoperative infusion of ketamine 0.5 mg/kg/h, while group (D + F) received fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg/h along with intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h. Intraoperative heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were recorded at 0 min, 10 min of induction, and thereafter every 30 min throughout the procedure. Ramsay sedation score (RSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were measured at the end of the surgery, at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours. Reduction in HR and mean blood pressure was more with a tendency of developing hypotension in the fentanyl group compared to the ketamine group. Post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, need for muscle relaxant and VAS score for pain were also significantly lesser in the ketamine group. Dexmedetomidine with ketamine provided better haemodynamic stability and reduced PACU stay compared to dexmedetomidine with fentanyl.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might preserve cognitive functions of elderly patients undergoing spinal surgeries under general anesthesia

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might preserve cognitive functions of elderly patients undergoing spinal surgeries under general anesthesia

Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine for prevention of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing craniotomy: a protocol of randomised clinical trial

IntroductionPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common surgical complication. The incidence is 19% in neurological procedures, and advanced age is a risk factor for neurological procedures. Many studies have shown that...

Opioid sparing analgesia: Continuous intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine versus lidocaine for intracranial surgeries in children: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background The usage of opioid sparing analgesia in different surgeries leads to varied results. The aim of this study is to compare between the effects of continuous intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine versus lidocaine as opioid sparing analgesia in children undergoing intracranial surgeries. Methods It is a double-blind randomized clinical study in which, 64 children were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups; 32 children for each group. The first one was dexmedetomidine group which received continuous intraoperative dexmedetomidine iv infusion [1ug/kg dexmedetomidine over 15 minutes as a loading dose and 0.5ug/kg/h for maintenance]. The second one was lidocaine group which received continuous intraoperative lidocaine iv infusion [1.5mg/kg lidocaine over 15 minutes as a loading dose and 1.5mg/kg/h for maintenance]. The continuous intraoperative iv infusion of each tested drug was stopped 10 minutes before the end the surgical procedure. Results Intraoperative total fentanyl consumption was significantly reduced in dexmdetomidine compared to lidocaine group ([19.33±11.15 vs 43.10±21.15] ug, 95% CI, -45.8 to -1.7). Children in dexmedetomidine group were significantly more sedated compared to lidocaine group. The time to reach Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS) scores 4 or more was around 4 hours in dexmedetomidine and around 1hour in lidocaine group. The time to first call of naluphine with dexmedetomidine was significantly prolonged compared to lidocaine ([235.03±5.02 vs 55.87±6.28] min, 95% CI, 176.3-182) with significantly reduced total postoperative naluphine consumption in dexmedetomidine compared to lidocaine ([4.22±1.46 vs 7.96±2.8] mg, 95% CI,-4.9 to -2.6) . The duration of PACU stay was significantly prolonged in lidocaine compared to dexmedetomidine ([99.75±14.36 vs 114.28±10.56] min, 95% CI,-20.8 to -8.2). Conclusion Continuous Intraoperative intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine was superior to lidocaine in opioid sparing analgesia during intracranial surgeries in children.

Dexmedetomidine administration during brain tumour resection for prevention of postoperative delirium: a randomised trial

BackgroundDelirium is common, especially after neurosurgery. Dexmedetomidine might reduce delirium by improving postoperative analgesia and sleep quality. We tested the primary hypothesis that dexmedetomidine administration during intracerebral tumour resection reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium. MethodsThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in two tertiary-care hospitals in Beijing. We randomised 260 qualifying patients to either dexmedetomidine (n=130) or placebo (n=130). Subjects assigned to dexmedetomidine were given a loading dose of 0.6 μg kg−1 followed by continuous infusion at 0.4 μg kg−1 h−1 until dural closure; subjects in the placebo group were given comparable volumes of normal saline. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium, which was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method twice daily during the initial 5 postoperative days. ResultsThe average (standard deviation) age of participating patients was 45 (12) yr, duration of surgery was 4.2 (1.5) h, and patients assigned to dexmedetomidine were given an average of 126 (45) μg of dexmedetomidine. There was less delirium during the initial 5 postoperative days in patients assigned to dexmedetomidine (22%, 28 of 130 patients) than in those given placebo (46%, 60 of 130 patients) with a risk ratio of 0.51 (95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.74, P<0.001). Postoperative pain scores with movement, and recovery and sleep quality were improved by dexmedetomidine (P<0.001). The incidence of safety outcomes was similar in each group. ConclusionsProphylactic intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion reduced by half the incidence of delirium during the initial 5 postoperative days in patients recovering from elective brain tumour resection. Clinical trial registrationNCT04674241.

Cerebral Protection of Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine in Patients with Chronic Cerebrovascular Stenosis Undergoing Endovascular Interventional Therapies: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

To investigate the cerebral protective effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on patients with chronic cerebral vascular stenosis receiving endovascular interventional therapy. Sixty patients with carotid artery or cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion stenting under elective general anesthesia were divided into dexmedetomidine group (group D) and normal saline group (group N). Group D was given dexmedetomidine loading dose 1.0μg/kg after peripheral vein opening for 10min, and then adjusted infusion rate to 0.5μg/kg/h until stopped 30min before end. At 7days after operation, the contents of S100β, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in group D were apparently lower than those in group N (P<0.05), while the contents of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in 2 groups showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Additionally, at 4days and 7days after operation, the scores of Mini-Mental State Scale (MMSE) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) in group D were significantly higher than those in group N (P<0.05). Thirtydays after surgery, the cerebral hemodynamic indexes (relative mean transit time, relative time to peak) in group D were significantly improved, and obviously better than those in group N (P<0.05). The S-100β, NSE, and inflammatory mediator IL-6 in group D were significantly decreased compared with group N, the MMSE and WMS cognitive function scores, and the cerebral blood perfusion were apparently improved in group D, clarifying dexmedetomidine has protective effect on nerve tissue injury by inhibiting inflammation.

Efficacy of low dose intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on emergence agitation and quality of recovery after nasal surgery

Background: Sevoflurane in Nasal Surgeries has a slightly higher incidence of emergence. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of Dexmedetomidine over Emergence from General Anaesthesia (GA) in Nasal Surgeries. Method: It is an observational study with 120 participants aged between 18 and 60 years belonging to ASA class 1 and 2, undergoing elective Nasal Surgeries under General Anaesthesia (GA). Partcipants were grouped into 2 groups with one group receiving low dose of Dexmedetomidine infusion and the other saline infusion. RICKER score was observed post extubation. Data was analysed using Fishers test. p value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The RICKER score was better with Dexmedetomidine, with p value of 0.003, which was highly significant.  Conclusion: Emergence from General Anaesthesia (GA) is smoother with Dexmedetomidine in Nasal Surgeries.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Early Postoperative Cognitive Function in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery in Beach Chair Position: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

This study sought to determine whether intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and alleviate the neuroinflammatory response in patients who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A total of 80 patients over 60 years of age who had undergone arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position were randomly allocated to either the dexmedetomidine group (Group D) or the control group (Group C). Dexmedetomidine (0.6 μg/kg/h) or a comparable amount of normal saline was infused into each group during the surgery. The early incidence of POCD was assessed by comparing cognitive tests on the day before and 1 d after surgery. The neuroinflammatory response with the S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100β) assay was compared prior to anesthetic induction and 1 h following surgery. The incidence of POCD was comparable between groups D (n = 9, 22.5%) and C (n = 9, 23.7%) (p = 0.901). However, the results of the cognitive test revealed a significant difference between the groups after surgery (p = 0.004). Although the S100β levels measured at the end of surgery were significantly higher than those at baseline in both groups (p < 0.001), there was no difference between the groups after the surgery (p = 0.236). Our results suggest that intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion neither reduce the incidence of early POCD nor alleviated the neuroinflammatory response in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

The Effect of Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine on Pain and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

Dexmedetomidine has sedative, sympatholytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion without a loading dose in the prevention of pain and inflammation after laparoscopic hysterectomy. In this study, 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy under desflurane anesthesia were randomized to receive either 0.9% saline or dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/kg/h) after induction to trocar removal. The primary endpoints were postoperative pain and inflammatory response presented by the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The secondary endpoints were hemodynamics during the anesthesia and surgery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Postoperative pain was decreased in the dexmedetomidine group for every time point, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) rescue fentanyl doses were decreased in the dexmedetomidine group. The inflammatory response representing TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were similar across the two groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting from PACU discharge to 24 h post-surgery were reduced in the dexmedetomidine group. During anesthesia and surgery, the patient’s heart rate was maintained lower in the dexmedetomidine-receiving group. Dexmedetomidine of 0.4 μg/kg/h given as an intraoperative infusion significantly reduced postoperative pain but did not reduce the inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The Effect of Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine on Acute and Chronic Postoperative Pain After Simple Mastectomy: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background: Postoperative pain is a common expected problem. Appropriate medications are important to control pain, especially in breast cancer surgery with a high rate of postoperative acute and chronic pain. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine on acute and chronic pain after simple mastectomy. Methods: This is a double-blind clinical trial study which included 110 eligible patients for simple mastectomy from Shahid Faghihi Educational and Medical Center in Shiraz between October 2018 and May 2019. The patients were randomized into two groups of intervention who were received intraoperative dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/kg/h, and control group who were received the same amount of placebo (normal saline 0.9%). The severity of acute and incidence of chronic pain were assessed with VAS of pain, and brief pain inventory (BPI), and the number of analgesics (Apotel, Morphine) that patients received in first 24 hours were recorded postoperatively. Collected data were analyzed, and P-values of less than 0.05% were considered statistically significant. Results: Here, 110 patients (55 people in each group) were met the inclusion criteria of the study. Based on the result of this study, the mean VAS score of pain in the intervention group (0.96 ± 0.14) was significantly lower than the control group (4.44 ± 2.25) (P &lt; 0.001). Although the incidence of chronic pain was different between the two groups after three months, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.871). Moreover, the number of requests and the amount of analgesia (Apotel and Morphine) in the first 24 hours after surgery in patients in the intervention group was significantly less than patients in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Also, the time of the first request for analgesia (Apotel, Morphine) in the patients of the intervention group was significantly longer than the control group (P-value = 0.036). Conclusions: According to the finding of this study, the use of dexmedetomidine during simple mastectomy reduces pain, decreases, and delays in requirement of analgesia at the first 24 hours post-operation. However, it did not have a significant effect on chronic pain.

Prevention of dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium and early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hepatic lobectomy.

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are common operative neurocognitive disorders, which places a heavy burden on patients, families and society. Therefore, it is very important to search for preventive drugs. Previous studies have demonstrated that perioperative use of dexmedetomidine resulted in a decrease the incidence of POD and POCD. But the specific effect of dexmedetomidine on elderly patients undergoing hepatic lobectomy and its potential mechanism are not clear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine on preventing POD and POCD in elderly patients undergoing hepatic lobectomy and the influence on the balance between proinflammation and anti-inflammation. This trial was designed as a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled study. One hundred and twenty hospitalized patients from January 2019 to December 2020, aged 60-80 years old with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II-III and scheduled for hepatic lobectomy, were randomly allocated into 3 groups (n=40) using a random number table: A C group, a Dex1 group, and a Dex2 group. After anesthesia induction, saline in the C group, dexmedetomidine [0.3 μg/(kg·h)] in the Dex1 group, and dexmedetomidine [0.6 μg/(kg·h)] in the Dex2 group were infused until the end of operation. The incidences of hypotension and bradycardia were compared among the 3 groups. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for assessing POD and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for evaluating POCD were recorded and venous blood samples were obtained for the determination of neuron specific enolase (NSE), TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 at the different time below: the time before anesthesia (T0), and the first day (T1), the third day (T2), the fifth day (T3), and the seventh day (T4) after operation. Compared with the C group, the incidences of bradycardia in the Dex1 group or the Dex2 group increased (both P<0.05) and there was no difference in hypotension in the Dex1 group or the Dex2 group (both P>0.05). The incidences of POD in the C group, the Dex1 group, and the Dex2 group were 22.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. The incidences of POD in the Dex1 group or the Dex2 group declined significantly as compared to the C group (both P<0.05). However, there is no difference in the incidence of POD between the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group (P>0.05). The incidences of POCD in the C group, the Dex1 group, and the Dex2 group were 30.0%, 12.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. The incidences of POCD in the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group declined significantly as compared to the C group (both P<0.05). And no obvious difference was seen in the incidence of POCD in the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group (P>0.05). Compared with the C group, the level of TNF-α and IL-1β decreased and the level of IL-10 increased at each time points (from T1 to T4) in the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group (all P<0.05). Compared with the Dex1 group, the level of IL-1β at T2 and IL-10 from T1 to T3 elevated in the Dex2 group (all P<0.05). Compared with the T0, the concentrations of NSE in C group at each time points (from T1 to T4) and in the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group from T1 to T3 increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the C group, the level of NSE decreased from T1 to T4 in the Dex1 group and the Dex2 group (all P<0.05). Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion can reduce the incidence of POCD and POD in elderly patients undergoing hepatic lobectomy, and the protective mechanism appears to involve the down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β and upregulation of IL-10 expression, which lead to rebalance between proinflammation and anti-inflammation.