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Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine for emergence agitation in infants undergoing palatoplasty: a randomized controlled

Aiji Boku1, Hiroshi Hanamoto1, Aiko Oyamaguchi1

  • 1Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.

Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (Elsevier)
|January 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) significantly reduced emergence agitation (EA) and pain scores in infants after sevoflurane anesthesia during palatoplasty. This suggests Dex offers a safer recovery for pediatric patients undergoing this procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Emergence agitation (EA) is common in infants following sevoflurane (Sev) anesthesia.
  • Palatoplasty in infants often requires general anesthesia, increasing the risk of EA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in reducing the incidence and severity of EA in infants undergoing palatoplasty.
  • To compare EA and pain scores between infants receiving Dex and those receiving a placebo.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective randomized clinical trial involved 70 infants (10-14 months) undergoing palatoplasty.
  • Infants were randomized to receive either Dex (6 μg/kg/h then 0.4 μg/kg/h) or saline.
  • Emergence agitation and pain were assessed using validated scales at multiple time points post-extubation.

Main Results:

  • The Dex group exhibited significantly lower EA and pain scores compared to the saline group.
  • These reductions were observed consistently from extubation up to 120 minutes post-arrival in the PACU.

Conclusions:

  • Dexmedetomidine administration effectively reduces emergence agitation and pain in infants after sevoflurane anesthesia for palatoplasty.
  • Dex provides a safe and satisfactory recovery profile for pediatric patients undergoing this surgical procedure, with no adverse effects noted.
Abstract

Keywords:
AgitationAgitaçãoBebêDexmedetomidinaDexmedetomidineDor pós-operatóriaInfantPalatoplastiaPalatoplastyPost operative painSevofluraneSevoflurano

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