2023, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

Introduction: Emergence agitation is a serious post-anaesthetic event occurring in the early phase of recovery from general anesthesia. If untreated, this may result in significant morbidity.

Aim: To compare the effect of single dose versus continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine for reduction in incidence of emergence agitation in adults following nasal surgeries.

Methods: This study was conducted on 62 patients of 20-60 years, randomly divided into two groups (31 in each group), with ASA physical status I, II who were scheduled for elective nasal surgeries under general anaesthesia. Group S received iv dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg in 10 ml of saline, over 10 min before induction of anaesthesia, while group C received iv dexmedetomidine 0.5μg/kg in 20 ml of saline as continuous infusion from the induction of anaesthesia up to the time of extubation. Incidence of emergence agitation was recorded as primary outcome along with severity of emergence agitation, sedation score, adverse effects and hemodynamic parameters as secondary outcomes.

Results: Incidence and severity of emergence agitation was lower in group C, 8 (25.80% and 6.45%) as compared to group S, 15 (48.38% and 19.35%), (p>0.05). Haemodynamic variables, mean sedation score and side effects and complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as continuous infusion is more effective in reducing the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in adults following nasal surgeries compared to single dose of dexmedetomidine.