Influence of dexmedetomidine upon sevoflurane end-expiratory concentration. Evaluation by bispectral index, suppression rate and electroencephalographic power spectral analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dexmedetomidine, an alpha2-adrenergic agonist, has been described as being able to decrease the demand for both venous and inhalational agents. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of Dexmedetomidine upon sevoflurane end-expiratory concentration (EC) with monitoring the depth of anesthesia. METHODS Participated in this study 40 female adult patients, physical status ASA I, submitted to gynecological laparoscopy under general anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane, who were randomly divided in two groups: Group I (n=20), without dexmedetomidine; and Group II (n=20), with dexmedetomidine, in continuous infusion, as follows: Rapid phase (1 microg kg(-1) in 10 min(-1)) 10 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by a maintenance phase (0.4 microg kg(-1) h(-1)) throughout the surgery. The following parameters were analyzed: BP, HR, BIS, SEF 95%, delta%, suppression rate (SR), rSO2, CE, SpO2 and P(ET)CO2, in the following moments: M1 - before dexmedetomidine or 0.9% saline infusion; M2 - prior to intubation; M3 - following intubation; M4 - before incision; M5 - following incision; M6 - before CO2 inflation; M7 - following CO2 inflation; M8 - 10 min after CO2 inflation; M9 - 10 min after M8; M10 - 20 min after M8; M11 - 30 min after M8; M12 - 40 min after M8; and M13 - at emergence. Time for emergence and hospital discharge were also recorded. RESULTS Dexmedetomidine has decreased sevoflurane end-expiratory concentration from M4 to M13 (p<0.05) when comparing Group I and Group II. No clinically significant changes were observed in hemodynamic parameters. Time for emergence in Groups I and II was 11 +/- 0.91 min. and 6.35 +/- 0.93 min., respectively (p < 0.05). Time for hospital discharge was 7.45 +/- 0.69 h in Group I and 8.37 +/- 0.88 h in Group II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Dexmedetomidine was effective in decreasing sevoflurane end-expiratory concentration while maintaining hemodynamic stability without impairing time for hospital discharge, in addition to promoting an earlier emergence.