Effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac electrophysiology in patients undergoing general anesthesia during perioperative period: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Dexmedetomidine has controversial influence on cardiac electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine on perioperative cardiac electrophysiology in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods: Eighty-one patients were randomly divided into four groups: groups D, D, D receiving dexmedetomidine 1, 1, 0.5 μg/kg over 10 min and 1, 0.5, 0.5 μg/kg/h continuous infusion respectively, and control group (group C) receiving normal saline. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were recorded at the time before dexmedetomidine/normal saline infusion (T), loading dose finish (T), surgery ending (T), 1 h (T) after entering PACU, 24 h (T), 48 h (T), 72 h (T) and 1 month (T) postoperatively. Cardiac circulation efficiency (CCE) were also recorded.

Results: Compared with group C, QTc were significantly increased at T in groups D and D while decreased at T and T in group D (P < 0.05), iCEB were decreased at T (P < 0.05). Compared with group D, QTc at T, T, T, T and T and iCEB at T were decreased, and CCE at T-T were increased in group D significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with group D, QTc at T and iCEB at T were decreased and CCE at T and T were increased in group D significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg and a maintenance dose of 0.5 μg/kg/h can maintain stability of cardiac electrophysiology during perioperative period and has no significant adverse effects on CCE.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04577430 (Date of registration: 06/10/2020).