Popis: |
Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist that has been used increasingly in children. However, the effect of caudal DEX has not been evaluated before in children. This prospective randomized double-blinded study was designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of caudal DEX with bupivacaine in providing pain relief over a 24-h period. Methods: Sixty children (ASA status I) aged 1–6 years undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair/orchidopexy were allocated randomly to two groups (n=30 each). Group B received a caudal injection of bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml, 1 ml/kg; Group BD received the same dose of bupivacaine mixed with DEX 1 μg/kg during sevoflurane anesthesia. Processed electroencephalogram (bispectral index score), heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry and end-tidal sevoflurane were recorded every 5 min. The characteristics of emergence, objective pain score, sedation score and quality of sleep were recorded post-operatively. Duration of analgesia and requirement for additional analgesics were noted. Results: The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration and the incidence of agitation were significantly lower in the BD group (P |