ISSN:
1365-2044
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Alpha2 agonists have been shown to decrease intra-ocular pressure in ophthalmic surgery. We studied the effects of dexmedetomidine, a new a2 agonist, on intra-ocular pressure, haemodynamic parameters, sedation, anxiolysis and dryness of mouth in 35 (Asa physical status 1–3) patients undergoing day-case cataract surgery under peri-ocular anaesthesia. Five different doses of dexmedetomidine (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 μg.kg−1) were used in this double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study. The trial drug was administered into the deltoid muscle 60 min before surgery. The 1.0 μg.kg−1 dose of dexmedetomidine produced a 32% reduction of intra-ocular pressure (p = 0.002). This dose induced moderate sedation, but was not associated with significant haemodynamic changes. A significant decrease in heart rate and systolic blood pressure was seen only with the highest dose of dexmedetomidine. Our results suggest that dexmedetomidine 1.0 μg.kg−1 produces sedation and a reduction of intra-ocular pressure with minimal haemodynamic side effects when given intramuscularly as premedication before cataract surgery under regional anaesthesia.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2044.1993.tb07066.x
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