The effects of dexmedetomidine on stress response and desflurane requirement [Deksmedetomidinin stres cevaba ve desfluran ihtiyacina etkisi]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on stress response and desflurane requirements. Method: Twenty five patients in the ASA I-II category who underwent elective abdominal surgery were divided into two groups randomly, as the study (Group D) and placebo (Group P) groups. Preoperative 1 ?g kg-1 dexmedetomidine was administered intravenously in group D, while saline solution was administered in group P. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental (3-6 mg kg-1) and fentanyl (2 ?g kg-1). Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane 3-6% and N2O 50% in oxygen. Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MAP), SpO2 and Ramsey sedation scores were recorded in the preoperative period. HR, MAP, SpO2 and desflurane requirements were recorded in the intraoperative period. Postoperatively HR, MAP, SpO2, recovery and pain scores were recorded. Blood samples were obtained 4 times for the determination of cathecholamine levels. Results: Heart rate decreased at 5 minutes, during dexmedetomidine administration and just before induction. MAP values were not significantly different between groups. Desflurane requirements were lower in group D. Cathecholamine levels were similar in the two groups. Sedation scores were significantly higher in group D. Pain and recovery scores were lower in group D. Conclusion: The use of preoperative 1 ?g kg-1 of dexmedetomidine failed to constrain the hemodynamic and neuroendocrine responses, but decreased desflurane requirements during the intraoperative period.