Pregabalin and dexmedetomidine conscious sedation for flexible bronchoscopy: a randomized double-blind controlled...

Conscious sedation is usually required during flexible bronchoscopy. Sedation should be achieved without respiratory depression or loss of consciousness. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of pregabalin premedication on reducing the amount of sedatives and to show its advantages for patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy with dexmedetomidine.

Seventy patients undergoing elective flexible bronchoscopy were randomly divided into two groups of 35 patients each. All patients received premedication one hour before the procedure. PG group received 150 mg pregabalin and C group received placebo. All patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine infusion to achieve optimum sedation. During the procedure peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, hemodynamics, Ramsay sedation Score, cough score, and total amount of dexmedetomidine used were recoded. After the procedure patients' and pulmonologists' satisfaction were compared.

The total amount of dexmedetomidine used in PG was less compared to C group (P=0.01). Sedation score was higher in PG group at the time of theatre admission (P<0.001). Cough score was higher, but insignificant in group C (P=0.08). Patients' and pulmonologists' satisfaction scores were higher in group PG (P=0.007 and 0.001 respectively). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure were lower in the C group (P=0.02 and 0.03 respectively). Postoperative care unit stay was less in group PG with less analgesic requirements.

Conscious sedation facilitates flexible bronchoscopy. Premedication with pregabalin can reduce the amount of sedatives. Dexmedetomidine with pregabalin premedication has many advantages over dexmedetomidine alone.