The Effect of Dexmedetomidine for Emergence Cough

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on the Remifentanil Concentration for Preventing Cough During Emergence After Propofol Anesthesia

Dexmedetomidine or remifentanil are effective in attenuating cough during peri-extubation period after general anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the remifentanil concentration for the cough suppression during anesthetic emergence.

Administration of dexmedetomidine before end of surgery could reduce airway reflexes and hemodynamic changes during tracheal extubation. Compared with remifentanil alone, administration of dexmedetomidine in combination with remifentanil is effective in relieving cough and hemodynamic changes without inhibition of respiration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the remifentanil concentration for the cough suppression during anesthetic emergence using the modified up-and-down method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA physical status I or II undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery or septoplasty under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• predicted difficult airway
• body mass index > 35 kg/m2,
• recent upper respiratory infection
• asthma
• current smoker
• patients using angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors
• uncontrolled hypertension