Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Postoperative Delirium After Brain Tumor Resections

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Brain Tumor Resections: a Randomized Controlled Study

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication, and the incidence rate is about 25% in non cardiac surgery. Previous studies have reported that the total incidence of neurological pod ranged from 10% to 22%. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an a-2 adrenergic agonist for sedation. This kind of drug has little effect on respiratory function, is easy to wake up and has analgesic effect. It is a commonly used perioperative adjuvant drug. However, for neurosurgical patients with brain tumors, the role of DEX in POD is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on POD in neurosurgical brain tumor surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing selective frontotemporal tumor resection.
• Age ≥18 years.
• Obtain written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to provide written informed consent.
• Preoperative severe cognitive impairment (mini-mental state examination, MMSE ≤ 20).
• Allergic to the study drug.
• History of psychotropic drugs within past 30 days.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• History of traumatic brain injury or neurosurgery.
• Severe bradycardia (heart rate less than 40 beats per minute), sick sinus syndrome or second-to-third degree atrioventricular block.
• Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction.