Effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on the mother’s awareness and neonatal Apgar scores in caesarean section under general anaesthesia

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on awareness during the induction of general anaesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety patients scheduled for elective caesarean section under general anaesthesia were included and randomly divided into three anaesthesia groups: 2 mg/kg propofol (control group); 2 mg/kg propofol and 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group); and 2 mg/kg propofol and 1 µg/kg remifentanil (remifentanil group). All patients received routine monitoring, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were recorded. The bispectral index and the isolated forearm technique were used to determine the depth of anaesthesia. RESULTS: Bispectral index values at skin and uterine incisions and at delivery were similar among the groups. The number of patients who responded positively to the isolated arm technique during the induction period was also similar. One-minute Apgar scores in the control group were significantly lower and 5-minute Apgar scores significantly higher than those in the other groups. CONCLUSION: The effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine added to propofol on maternal awareness, neonatal Apgar scores, and bispectral index values were similar compared with propofol alone. However, it was observed that remifentanil controlled the haemodynamic responses to sympathetic stimuli in a better manner than dexmedetomidine.