Study of Dexmedetomidine as intramuscular premedication in outpatient cataract surgery: A placebo ? controlled study

Aim: To evaluate the effects of Dexmedetomidine to reduce the intra ocular pressure and sedation in day care cataract surgeries. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 50 patients of either sex, belonging to 40 ? 60 years of age, ASA grade I and II admitted for cataract surgeries. Patients were randomized into two groups of 25 each. Group D received 1 mcg/mg of Dexmedetomidine as IM route, Group P received placebo as IM and intra ocular pressure changes, hemodynamic parameters, sedation levels and SPO2, anxiolysis and pain were monitored. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in group D before and after premedication in terms of intra ocular pressure reduction. This was not seen in placebo group. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in the study was a statistically difference in group D before and after premedication. There was no statistically significant difference in group P before and after premedication. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the group D and group P in terms of sedation. Oxygen saturation observed in group D and group P at intervals of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the group D and group P in terms of pain relief and anxiety after premedication. Conclusion: Results suggested that Dexmedetomidine produces sedation and a reduction of intra-ocular pressure with minimal hemodynamic side effects when given intramuscularly as premedication before cataract surgery under regional anesthesia.