[Experience in postoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine for mandibular osteotomy].

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine may be suitable for postoperative sedation of patients with mandibular osteotomy.

METHODS

Twenty patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine (group D) employing loading infusion at 1.0 microg x kg(-) x hr(-1) and then continuous infusion at 0.7 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1). Other twenty patients were sedated with midazolam 0.1 mg x kg(-1) (group C). Ramsay score was recorded at 3 hours and 12 hours after infusing sedative drugs. Then, we questioned patients, nurses and doctors.

RESULTS

Ramsay score in the group D was higher than that in the group C (P < 0.01). Hypotension and respiratory depression did not occur. But bradycardia occurred in two cases. By adding propofol, group D showed more effective sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that sedation with dexmedetomidine is more suitable than that with midazolam.