Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Glucose and Insulin Levels.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Glucose Levels and Insulin Secretion Patterns in Obese Patients With Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

This study investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed. Consenting obese adult patients with impaired glucose tolerance, undergoing bariatric surgery, were randomized, by a computer, to receive placebo (0.9% Sodium-chloride) or dexmedetomidine 1 ug/kg bolus in 10 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.5 ug/kg/h until the end of surgery. Baseline HgbA1c, glucose, and insulin plasmatic levels were measured. Subsequently, glucose and insulin levels were taken every 2 hours during the first 12 hours from the onset of the drug infusion. Intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative morphine consumption, pain score, the occurrence of emesis, and postoperative sedation levels were recorded as secondary outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obese patient (BMI>30)
• American Society of Anesthesiologists grades II or III
• Diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance
• Undergoing sleeve gastrectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Baseline glucose > 200mg/dl
• Diagnosis of Diabetes
• Under corticosteroids treatment
• Oral hypoglycemic medication within 7 days previous surgery
• Use of insulin within 24h previous surgery
• Allergy to any drug used in the study