Table 5. Effect sizes and subgroup analysis of DEX on hemodynamic.
| Subgroup | HR (bpm) | MAP (mmHg) | ||||||
| N* | Effect size# (95% CI) | I2 test (%) | P value | N* | Effect size# (95% CI) | I2 test (%) | P value | |
| All studies | 7 (373) | 1.39 (0.29, 2.49) | 94 | 0.01 | 6 (313) | −1.93 (−3.23, −0.64) | 68 | 0.004 |
| Time after DEX administration | ||||||||
| ≤ 60 min | 7 (373) | 2.00 (0.63, 3.38) | 95 | 0.004 | 6 (313) | −1.39 (−2.75, −0.04) | 69 | 0.04 |
| > 60 min | 3 (160) | −2.01 (−3.53, −0.49) | 80 | 0.009 | 2 (89) | −6.43 (−9.21, −3.65) | 0 | < 0.00001 |
| DEX route | ||||||||
| DEX via intrathecal route | 4 (213) | 1.56 (0.42, 2.70) | 94 | 0.007 | 3 (153) | −1.97 (−3.40, −0.54) | 68 | 0.007 |
| DEX via caudal route | 3 (160) | −0.63 (−3.06, 1.81) | 0 | 0.61 | 3 (160) | −1.64 (−5.22, 1.95) | 81 | 0.37 |
| DEX dose | ||||||||
| ≤ 5 μg | 4 (192) | 0.37 (−0.75, 1.49) | 94 | 0.52 | 3 (132) | −2.49 (−4.10, −0.88) | 61 | 0.002 |
| > 5 μg | 4 (203) | 4.42 (2.03, 6.81) | 71 | 0.0003 | 4 (203) | −0.92 (−3.22, 1.37) | 79 | 0.43 |
* Number of trials pooled (total number of subjects).
# Effect size: weighted mean difference for both HR (bpm) and MAP (mmHg).
Abbreviations: MAP, mean arterial pressure; HR, heart rate.