Dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl as adjuvant to propofol: comparative study in children undergoing extracorporeal

Ashgan Raouf Ali1, Mohamed N El Ghoneimy

  • 1Department of Anaesthesiology (ARA), Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. ashganraouf@yahoo.com

Insights

Dexmedetomidine combined with propofol reduced propofol use and prolonged pain relief in children undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy compared to fentanyl. This combination also showed fewer complications.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in children requires effective anesthesia.
  • Comparing dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as adjuncts to propofol for pediatric ESWL.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl when combined with propofol for pediatric ESWL.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty children (3-8 years, ASA I-II) received either propofol/dexmedetomidine or propofol/fentanyl for ESWL.
  • Infusion rates were adjusted to maintain hemodynamics within ±20% of baseline.
  • Propofol infusion maintained bispectral index (40-60); drug doses, hemodynamics, complications, and time to analgesia were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Propofol requirement was significantly lower with dexmedetomidine vs. fentanyl (P < 0.0001).
  • Dexmedetomidine group had lower intraprocedural hypoventilation (P = 0.016) and longer time to first analgesic (P < 0.0001).
  • Both combinations were effective, but dexmedetomidine showed reduced propofol consumption and fewer complications.

Conclusions:

  • Propofol/dexmedetomidine and propofol/fentanyl are effective for pediatric ESWL.
  • Propofol/dexmedetomidine offers advantages including less propofol use, prolonged analgesia, and reduced complications.
Abstract

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