Optimal dose of pretreated-dexmedetomidine in fentanyl-induced cough suppression: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: To investigate the optimal dose of pretreated-dexmedetomidine in fentanyl-induced cough (FIC) suppression. Methods: Patients of 180 undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia, aged 18-65 years, BMI 18.5-30 kg/m2, ASA I or II, were equally randomized into four groups (n = 45) to receive intravenous pretreatment of dexmedetomidine with 0 (group 1), 0.3 (group 2), 0.6 (group 3) and 0.9 (group 4) mcg/kg over 10 mins, respectively. After the pretreatment, all patients were given a 5-s intravenous injection of fentanyl 4 mcg/kg. The symptoms of irritating cough including the severity and onset time were recorded for 1 min after fentanyl injection. General anesthesia induction was completed with midazolam, propofol and cisatracurium, then endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask was inserted and connected to an anesthesia machine. MAP, HR and SpO2 at the beginning of pretreatment (T0), 3 min (T1), 6 min (T2), 9 min (T3) and 12 min (T4) after the beginning of pretreatment were recorded. Side effects of dexmedetomidine, such as bradycardia, hypertension, hypotension, and respiratory depression were also recorded during the course. Results: Totally 168 patients completed the study. The incidences of cough were 52.4%, 42.9%, 11.9%, and 14.3% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05) and between groups 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). The incidence and severity of cough in groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Compared to T0, HR at T2 (P < 0.05), T3 (P < 0.01), and T4 (P < 0.01) decreased significantly and MAP at T4 decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in group 4. Bradycardia occurred in 1 case and respiratory depression occurred in 1 case in group 4. Compared to group 1, the onset time of cough in the other 3 groups were delayed significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreated dexmedetomidine 0.6 mcg/kg blous intravenous infusion over 10 mins could reduce FIC effectively without side effects.