Role of dexmedetomidine in prevention of agitation during recovery from pediatric anesthesia with sevoflurane

Objective To explore the effect of preemptive analgesia with different doses of dexmedetomidine on postoperative agitation.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ children undergoing cheiloplasty were randomly divided into low-dose dexmedetomidine group (group D1,n =20),moderate-dose dexmedetomidine group (group D2,n =20),and control group (group C,n =20).Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane for tracheal intubation.In groups D1 and D2,0.2 μ g/kg and 0.4 μ g /kg dexmedetominde were administered intravenously after intubation,and in group C,normal saline was administered.Anesthesia was maintained with uses of sevoflurane.Results There were no significant differences in time to consciousness recovery,extubation time,and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) among the three groups (P＞0.05).As compared with group C,heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased during extubation and 10 min after extubation in group D1 and D2.The incidence of postoperative agitation was decreased significantly,and sedation extent was increased significantly in group D2 (P＜0.01).Conclusions Dexmedetominde can effectively prevent postoperative agitation during consciousness recovery in children receiving inhalational sevoflurane. Key words: Dexmedetomidine;  Anesthesia with sevoflurane;  Agitation consciousness recovery; Younger children