Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Procedural Comfort and Intraoperative Sedation in Patients Undergoing Surgeries with Subarachnoid Block: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

introductionThere is increasing evidence to include sedation as an integral part of regional anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. This may compromise patient cooperation, an important component of regional anesthesia. We decided to determine the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (0.3 μg/kg/h and 0.5 μg/kg/h) for allaying procedural discomfort and ensuring their cooperation in patients undergoing surgery with subarachnoid block.

settingTertiary care center. MATERIALS AND

methodsSixty patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Class I and II posted for surgeries under subarachnoid block were randomized into two groups of 30 each to receive dexmedetomidine in a loading dose of 1 μg/kg in both groups followed by continuous infusion of 0.3 μg/kg/h in Group D 0.3 and 0.5 μg/kg/h in Group D 0.5. Observer assessment sedation score, ease of positioning score, response to spinal needle insertion, hemodynamic parameters, patient satisfaction (PS) score, and surgeon satisfaction (SS) score were evaluated.

resultsMedian observer Assessment Sedation Score ranged between four and three at all times during dexmedetomidine infusion in Group D 0.3. In Group D 0.5, median Observer assessment of alertness/sedation scale ranged between three and two. Ease of positioning (

conclusionIntravenous dexmedetomidine infusion 0.3 μg/kg/h produces effective sedation in patients undergoing surgery with spinal anesthesia while ensuring patient cooperation for positioning and without any recall of the procedure in postoperative period.