Abstract
Purpose. Providing dental treatment for intellectually disabled
patients is usually performed under general anesthesia. This randomized
double-blinded parallel clinical trial study aims to evaluate the effect
of dexmedetomidine on the blood pressure and recovery conditions of
these patients.
Methods. Fifty intellectually disabled patients without
systemic problems or physical disability were recruited. The anesthetic
regimen included 5 mg/kg of sodium thiopental, 0.8 mg/kg of atracurium,
and 1-2 mcg/kg of fentanyl; and 100 mcg/kg/min propofol for maintenance.
The intervention group received additional 2 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine by
infusion. The control group received equal amount of 0.9% saline.
Patients’ blood pressure, duration of anesthesia and recovery, types of
dental treatments and agitation levels in recovery were recorded.
Results. Systolic blood pressure fluctuated in control group
(P = 0.032 between 15 and 30 minutes and P = 0.009 between
45 and 60 minutes), while it did not significantly alter in the
intervention group (P = 0.942). The diastolic blood pressure did
not significantly change neither in dexmedetomidine (P = 0.094)
nor in the control group (P = 0.277). Patients’ agitation levels
were significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group at 15 (P =
0.015) and 30 (P = 0.003) minutes post-operatively. The use of
dexmedetomidine did not significantly elongate the stay in recovery
(P = 0.194).
Conclusion. Dexmedetomidine can be used to improve
intra-operative blood pressure stability and to decrease post-operative
agitation without lengthening recovery time.