Effect of single dose dexmedetomidine given prior to extubation on extubation conditions in adult patients following general anaesthesia

Introduction: Extubation is usually associated with undesirable increase in hemodynamics. Dexmedetomidine has shown to provide smooth and hemodynamically stable emergence. Primary objective of the present study was to assess incidence of cough at extubation following single dose dexmedetomidine given prior to extubation. Secondary objectives included assessment of changes heart rate and blood pressure at extubation, post operative nausea, vomiting and shivering. Materials and Methods: This randomized control study was conducted in 40 ASA I-II patients with 20 in each group. Group A received 0.75mcg/kg dexmedetomidine and group B received normal saline, 30min prior to end of surgery as an infusion over 10min. Cough scores were recorded at the end of extubation. Students T test and Chi square test were used as applicable for statistical analysis. Results: Incidence of cough at extubation was comparable in both groups (66.7% vs. 63.6%, p 1.00). Baseline mean arterial pressure was comparable in both groups, but at 3min after extubation it was significantly lower in Group A. Heart rate, postoperative nausea, vomiting, shivering and sedation scores did not show any significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: An infusion of dexmedetomidine at 0.75mcg/kg prior to extubation did not affect the severity of cough but resulted in improved hemodynamics after extubation. Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Extubation, General anaesthesia, Cough, Hemodynamic.