Study objectives: To investigate the hemodynamic, cardiovascular, and recovery effects of dexmedetomidine used as a single preanesthetic dose.
Design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind study.
Setting: University Hospital of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey.
Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 20 to 60 years, who were scheduled for elective cholecystectomy.
Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive 0.5 microg kg(-1) dexmedetomidine (group D, n = 20) or saline solution (group C, n = 20). Anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium and vecuronium, and anesthesia was maintained with 4% to 6% desflurane.
Measurements: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic index (EDI), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume index (SVI) were recorded at 10-minute intervals. The times for patients to "open eyes on verbal command" and postoperative Aldrete recovery scores were also recorded.
Main results: In group C, an increase in HR and MAP occurred after endotracheal intubation. In group D, HR significantly decreased after dexmedetomidine was given. The EDI, CI, SVI, and EF values were similar in groups D and C. The modified Aldrete recovery scores of patients in the recovery room were similar in groups C and D at the 15th minute.
Conclusions: A single dose of dexmedetomidine given before induction of anesthesia decreased thiopental requirements without serious hemodynamic effects or any effect on recovery time.