Effects of Alprazolam and Melatonin Used for Premedication on Oxidative Stress, Glicocalyx Integrity and...

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effect of alprazolam and melatonin on oxidative stress, glicocalyx integrity and neurocognitive function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Overall, 42 patients undergoing CABG were retrospectively included in this study. Blood samples which preserved at -70°C for a previous study were used for this study. The participants were divided into two groups. Patients in the Group A were administered alprazolam before the operation, whereas melatonin was used for premedication in the Group M. Blood samples were collected at three time points [T0: before anaesthesia induction, T1: admittance to intensive care unit (ICU), T2: 24 h after ICU admission], and oxidative stress parameters and glicocalyx integrity were evaluated. Furthermore, Mini-Mental State Examination was recorded to measure neurocognitive function.

The total thiol levels which were measured as an antioxidant parameter were significantly higher, and free Hb values were significantly lower in the Group M compared to the Group A (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in order to oxidative stress parameter levels, extubation time, length of hospital stay, durations of cross-clamp, cardiopulmonary bypass and operation and Mini-Mental State Examination results between the two groups (p>0.05).

In light of positive effects on oxidatif stress parameters, melatonin may be considered as a good and safe premedication agent with its anxiolytic, antioxidant and minimal haemodynamic and respiratory effects.