Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine during Anesthesia Induction of Patients with Intracranial Tumor: A Preliminary Observational Trial

Abstract

Background: The efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine during the anesthesia induction of intracranial tumor patients remain unknown. We wondered whether loading infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 μ g/kg over 10 min to intracranial tumor patients was as efficient and safe as to those abdominal disease patients. Methods: Patients aged 18-60 years, male or female, ASA I or II, scheduled for intracranial tumor resection (Group N, n = 30) or abdominal operation (Group A, n = 30) were enrolled in this observational trial. Dexmedetomidine was administrated with a loading dosage of 1 μ g/kg over 10 min following with continuous infusing of 0.5 μ g/kg/h. Fentanyl, propofol and rocuronium were sequentially administered for anesthesia induction. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), bispectral index (BIS) and other adverse effects were recorded from the beginning of loading infusion of dexmedetomidine to the end of endotracheal intubation. Results: Among with loading infusion, HR and BIS value decreased and were significantly lower at the end of infusion than before infusion ( P < 0.01), but BP did not ( P > 0.05). One patient of Group N dropped out from this trial because of a serious headache. 14 of 29 patients during dexmedetomidine loading infusion suffered hypoxemia (SpO 2 < 90%) in Group N, which was higher than 6 of 30 of in Group A ( P < 0.05). No other side effects were recorded. Conclusion: A loading dosage of 1 μ g/kg of dexmedetomidine was not suitable for the anesthesia induction of intracranial tumor patients as compared to patients undergoing abdominal operation.