Foetal responses to dexmedetomidine in parturients undergoing caesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: This current meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate effects of dexmedetomidine on neonatal maternal factors. METHODS: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. The primary outcomes were neonatal parameters, including umbilical blood gases and Apgar scores. The secondary outcomes were maternal parameters. RESULTS: We identified six randomized controlled trials (RCTs). No differences in neonatal umbilical blood gases, and Apgar scores at 1 min (WMD: −0.09; 95% CI: −0.21 to 0.04; I(2 )= 0%) and 5 min (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.03; 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.11; I(2 )= 37%) were observed with dexmedetomidine. For maternal parameters, characteristics of motor and sensory block and postoperative analgesia (standard mean difference (SMD): 3.99; 95% CI: 2.85 to 5.12; I(2 )= 78%) were significantly improved after dexmedetomidine treatment. Adverse events, including nausea/vomiting and shivering (risk ratio (RR): 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.60; I(2 )= 0%), were lower after dexmedetomidine treatment. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that dexmedetomidine is safe for neonates who are delivered by caesarean section. Moreover, dexmedetomidine used in neuraxial anaesthesia can improve the characteristics of motor and sensory block and prolong the maternal pain-free period. Dexmedetomidine can also reduce the maternal incidence of postoperative adverse effects.