DEXMEDETOMIDINE FOR PREVENTION OF SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYDYSRHYTHMIAS AFTER NON CARDIAC THORACIC SURGERY

This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in prevention of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) after non cardiac Thoracic Surgery. Methods: Sixty five patients were enrolled in our study scheduled for elective non cardiac thoracic surgery. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Control Group 33 patients who did not receive dexmedetomidine prophylaxis and dexmedetomidine Group enrolling 32 patients who will receive continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/Kg/h which was initiated with induction of anesthesia and continued for 24h. Patients were observed throughout the first three days in ICU for the incidence of supraventricular dysrhythmias. Results: There were no significant differences between dexmedetomidine and control groups in patient characteristics surgical Data. Eleven patients (36.7%) in group C developed (SVTs) of which eight had atrial fibrillation and three developed supraventricular tachycardia. In group D the incidence of SVTs was 10% (three patients) which was significantly less (p =0.031) when compared to matched control group as two patients in group D developed supraventricular tachycardia and one patient had AF. Patients in group C received significantly more PCA morphine and ketorelac than group D to achieve the same quality of analgesia. The mean time of ICU stay was significantly longer in group C (86 ±11hrs) versus (74±15 hrs) in group D (p =0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of adverse effects. Conclusions: We conclude that dexmedetomidine infusion can safely reduce the incidence of (SVTs) after non-cardiac thoracic surgery.