Effect of dexmedetomidine infusion on stress induced blood glucose levels and intraoperative sevoflurane requirement

Introduction: Dexmedetomidine has been shown to blunt the stress response to surgery and reduce the consumption of inhalational anaesthetic agents. Hence, we designed this study to observe the effects of IV Dexmedetomidine infusion on stress-induced blood glucose levels and intra operative Sevoflurane requirement during laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients between the ages of 18-60 years, of either gender, ASA Grade I & II, posted for elective laparoscopic surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group D received loading dose of Inj. Dexmedetomidine at 1µg/kg diluted to 50 ml and given over 10 minutes; followed by maintenance with 0.5µg/kg/hour, till the end of surgery. Group P received similar volume of normal saline. Anaesthesia was maintained with Nitrous oxide in oxygen (50:50) and Sevoflurane keeping BIS 40 - 60. Serial blood glucose levels, sevoflurane requirement by Dion's method, extubation time, sedation score and adverse effects were observed. The data was analyzed using student t test. Results: Blood glucose levels at first hour post operatively in group P and in group D, were 136.7±6.30 mg/dl and 103.8±8.28 mg/dl respectively (P<0> Conclusion: IV Dexmedetomidine infusion was effective in attenuating stress induced blood glucose levels and it also reduced Sevoflurane requirement without affecting the time for extubation.