The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Dexmedetomidine Administration on Patients Undergoing Intestinal Surgery: A Randomized Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist with sedative, analgesic, anti-sympathetic and stress-reducing effects. It has been widely used as an adjunct for general anesthesia of multiple surgeries. However, the relationship between the utilization of dexmedetomidine in intestinal surgery and the postoperative inflammatory response of patients remains unclear. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial was performed. Eighty-six patients assigned for intestinal surgery were recruited and were randomly divided into two groups (dexmedetomidine group, n = 40; control group, n = 40) [six participants were excluded due to multiple reasons, such as allergy and drug use history]. The clinical characteristics and physiological outcomes of participants who received different treatments (dexmedetomidine and 0.9% sodium chloride) were collected and analyzed. Blood samples of the two groups were collected before administration (T0), 10 min after pumping dexmedetomidine/saline solution (T1), immediately after the operation started (T2), 30 min after the operation started (T3), and immediately after the operation ended (T4). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to evaluate the proinflammatory factors. RESULTS: Intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine before intestinal surgery decreased a variety of circulating proinflammatory factors. Dexmedetomidine alleviated the stress response and promoted the recovery of cognitive ability among patients undergoing intestinal surgery. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine administration in patients undergoing intestinal surgery inhibited the surgery-induced inflammatory reactions.