Effect of Intramuscular Dexmedetomidine Administration Before Extubation on Post-Extubation Haemodynamics, Postoperative Sedation, and Analgesic Requirements: A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenoreceptor agonist has been successfully used for attenuating stress response to laryngoscopy. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of intramuscular dexmedetomidine 30 minutes before extubation on hemodynamic response in patients undergoing laminectomy for prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) under endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia.

Methods: Present double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled study, included 100 patients from either sex with American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II and age from 18 to 60 years undergoing laminectomy for PIVD under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each based on computer generated random numbers. The study group received dexmedetomidine (2.0 μg/ kg, i.m.) in 2.5 mL saline, and the control group received normal saline (placebo, i.m.) 2.5 mL. Drugs had been administered 30 minutes before anticipated time of extubation intramuscularly at the deltoid region. Comparison of continuous variables between two groups was done by using student's unpaired t-test. Categorical data were analyzed by using chi-square test and Fischer Exact test as applicable.

Results: Heart rate was found to be significantly lower in the study group, 15 minutes before extubation (P = 0.003), during and after extubation (P ＜ 0.0001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the study group during and after extubation (P ＜ 0.05). Cough was significantly lower in the study group during extubation. No significant difference was observed in other complications (respiratory stridor, incidence of laryngospasm or bronchospasm and reintubation) between the two groups. Pain score at 5 minutes, 2 hours, and 4 hours post-extubation was significantly lower in the study group (P ＜ 0.01). P-value ＜ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine provides haemodynamic stability during extubation and post-extubation. It also provides post-operative calmness and reduces analgesic requirement and post-extubation complications.