Table 4.
• DEX is associated with lower postoperative pain scores or incidence after cardiothoracic surgeries in comparison with placebo (normal saline) |
• DEX is probability able to reduce the analgesia requirement during and after cardiothoracic surgeries |
• DEX is unable to reduce the postoperative pain score or incidence after 36 hours from the start of surgery |
• DEX is probability able to improve the postoperative pain control in comparison with morphine |
• DEX has noticeable morphine-sparing effects |
• DEX could decrease intravenous morphine consumption during ICU stay |
• DEX could improve the analgesic effect of sufentanil and decrease the total dosage of sufentanil during the first 24 hours after surgery |
• The addition of DEX to epidural bupivacaine could decrease the anesthetic requirements and improve postoperative analgesia |
• DEX could decrease the total consumption of narcotics |
• DEX could decrease the extubation time |
• The most reported complications of DEX were bradycardia, hypotension, and over sedation |
• DEX administration is associated with lower risk of respiratory depression |
• DEX demonstrated hemodynamic predictability. |
Note: Due to the limited number of available trials regarding the effectiveness of DEX, these findings are preliminary; hence, confirmation or rejection of any of these findings warrants further research.