Dexmedetomidine Effect on Emergence Agitation and Delirium in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: a Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine (Dex) to prevent emergence agitation (EA) and delirium (ED) in children undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair under general anesthesia. METHODS: 100 children (1–5 years, 10–25 kg) were randomized into four groups: controls (saline) and intravenous Dex at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 µg/kg (D1, D2, D3, respectively). Dex/saline infusion was started following anesthesia. EA and ED were evaluated on a 5-point scale. RESULTS: For the C, D1, D2, and D3 groups, respectively, EA frequencies were 45.8%, 30.4%, 12%, 4%; ED frequencies 29.1%, 13%, 4%, 4%; CHIPPS scores 8, 6, 3, 3; sevoflurane doses from 13.2 ± 3.4 (controls) to 9.4 ± 3.5 ml (D3). Intervals until mask removal/spontaneous eye opening were significantly longer for D2 and D3 than controls. PACU stay was longer for D3. CONCLUSIONS: There was significantly less postoperative EA and pain, with less sevoflurane required, using Dex.