[Effect of dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation after oral and maxillofacial surgery]

To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation after oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Fifty five patients who went into recovery room after oral and maxillofacial surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups: dexmedetomidine group (n=28) and control group (n=27). Patients in dexmedetomidine group were assigned to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.3 μg/kg when they came into recovery room. Patients in control group were assigned to receive intravenous normal saline. Emergence agitation was assessed and extubation time after operation was recorded. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, Ramsay scale were recorded at the time point of entering the recovery room instantly(T0) and 5 minutes(T1), 15 minutes(T2), 30 minutes(T3), 60 minutes(T4), 120 minutes(T5) after the patient came into recovery room. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.1 software package.

The incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (18%) than in the control group (70%) (P<0.05). The Ramsay scale was significantly higher in dexmedetomidine group than in the control group at the time point of T1, T2, T3, T4 (P<0.05). The heart rate was significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group than in the control group at the time point of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 (P<0.05). Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group than in the control group at the time point of T2, T3 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference on extubation time between 2 groups. There was no postoperative respiratory depression in 2 groups.

Intravenous dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.3 μg/kg can reduce emergence agitation after oral and maxillofacial surgery with safety and efficacy.