The effects of a single preanesthetic dose of dexmedetomidine on propofol induction, hemodynamics, and cardiovascular parameters

Objective: To find out the dose of propofol consumption for induction and also the variation in hemodynamics following single-dose dexmedetomidine premedication. Methods: A total of 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 1 and 2 patients aged between 18 and 80 years, posted for elective surgeries were randomized into two groups: Group C - premedication with 2 mcg/kg fentanyl and Group D - premedication with 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine + 2 mcg/kg fentanyl. Both groups were preloaded with 10 ml/kg crystalloid solution. The parameters measured were propofol requirements, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume variation (SVV). Results: Propofol requirements were 26.6% lesser in Group D (P < 0.001). In Group C, HR was significantly low at baseline (P = 0.008), induction (P = 0.006), and at intubation (P = 0.001) in Group D. Cardiovascular parameters such as MAP (P = 0.007), CI (P = 0.038), and CO (P = 0.021) were significantly lower in Group D compared to Group C only at baseline. There were no differences at any other point during the study. SVV was noted to be significantly lower (P = 0.018) in Group D only at intubation. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine decreases the requirements of propofol for induction and also attenuates the hemodynamic response to intubation. Cardiovascular parameters such as MAP, CI, and CO were significantly lower in Group D only at baseline. Hemodynamic stability is mainly attributed to adequate preloading and less propofol requirement in the dexmedetomidine group.