Table 2. Effect sizes and subgroup analysis of DEX on postoperative sedation.

Subgroup	N*	Effect size# (95% CI)	I2 test (%)	P value
All studies	3 (170)	0.94 (0.16, 1.76)	94	0.02
DEX route
DEX via epidural route	1 (50)	0.26 (−0.19, 0.71)	0	0.25
DEX via caudal route	2 (120)	0.64 (0.43, 0.86)	86	< 0.00001
Postoperative time
2∼4 h	2 (120)	0.61 (−1.98, 3.20)	98	0.64
6∼8 h	3 (170)	1.01 (−0.58, 2.59)	95	0.21
12 h	2 (110)	0.68 (−0.32, 1.67)	84	0.18
24 h	2 (110)	1.03 (0.34, 1.72)	97	0.30

* Number of trials pooled (total number of subjects).

# Effect size: standardized mean difference for postoperative sedation (point).