Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with propofol for gastroscopy in elderly patients

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine combined with propofol for gastroscopy in elderly patients.Methods Ninety ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients,aged 65-80 yr,weighing 45-80 kg,scheduled for elective gastroscopy,were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine combined with propofol (group DP,n =45) or propofol (group P,n =45).In group DP,dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/kg was infused over 5 min and propofol 1.0 mg/kg was injected intravenously 25 min later.Propofol 2.0 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group P.When body movement occurred during operation,additional propofol 0.2 mg/kg was given intermittently.Mean arterial pressure (MAP),heart rate (HR),pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) and Narcotrend index were monitored during the whole procedures.The consumption of propofol and vasoactive agents,adverse cardiovascular events,and respiratory depression were recorded.Results Compared with group P,the consumption of propofol,incidences of respiratory depression and tachycardia,and degree of body movement were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05),Narcotrend index was increased during operation (P ＜ 0.01),and no significant change in the incidence of circulatory depression was found in group DP (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Small dose of dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg/kg combined with small dose of propofol 1.0 mg/kg provides good efficacy and safety for gastroscopy in elderly patients. Key words: Aged;  Gastroscopy ;  Anesthesia ;  Dexmedetomidine ;  Propofol