Table 3. Effect sizes and subgroup analysis of DEX on sensory block characteristics.
| Subgroup | Onset of sensory block (min) | Duration of sensory block (min) | ||||||
| N* | Effect size# (95% CI) | I2 test (%) | P value | N* | Effect size# (95% CI) | I2 test (%) | P value | |
| All studies | 7 (381) | −1.49 (−2.28, −0.70) | 89 | 0.0002 | 6 (316) | 101.15 (58.09, 144.22) | 98 | < 0.00001 |
| DEX route | ||||||||
| DEX via epidural route | 1 (36) | −0.40 (−1.21, 0.41) | NA | 0.33 | — | — | — | — |
| DEX via intrathecal route | 6 (345) | −1.67 (−2.57, −0.77) | 90 | 0.0003 | 6 (316) | 101.15 (58.09, 144.22) | 98 | < 0.00001 |
| DEX dose | ||||||||
| ≤5 μg | 4 (217) | −1.09 (−2.03, −0.16) | 85 | 0.02 | 4 (209) | 43.06 (23.86, 62.26) | 88 | < 0.0001 |
| > 5 μg | 4 (186) | −1.78 (−3.14, −0.41) | 85 | 0.01 | 2 (107) | 102.33 (24.3, 180.34) | 97 | 0.01 |
| Regression dermatomes | ||||||||
| 2 dermatomes | — | — | — | — | 6 (316) | 67.22 (39.73, 94.72) | 96 | < 0.00001 |
| > 2 dermatomes | — | — | — | — | 4 (202) | 135.39 (59.90, 210.89) | 97 | 0.0004 |
* Number of trials pooled (total number of subjects).
# Effect size: weighted mean difference for both onset and duration of sensory block (min).
Abbreviations: NA, not applicable.