Abstract
Aims and Objectives: This integrative review aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intrathecal dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to hyperbaric bupivacaine for elective cesarean sections using subarachnoid block (SAB).
Methods: A review of the literature was performed on the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Collection. Relevant research articles were critically evaluated and added to a literature matrix for synthesis.
Results: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine-5 mcg enhances the efficacy of intrathecal bupivacaine 0.75% by 24% in women undergoing elective cesarian sections using SAB. Intrathecal bupivacaine administered with 5 mcg dexmedetomidine produced a similar analgesic effect as intrathecal morphine 100 mcg, with less pruritus and shivering. Dexmedetomidine also provides similar SAB characteristics compared to opioids. Dexmedetomidine increases block onset time, duration of the block, and time to first pain medication post-operatively.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective local anesthetic (LA) adjuvant for SAB for elective Cesarian sections. It has not been shown to increase adverse patient outcomes such as nausea/vomiting, bradycardia, decreased APGAR score, and hypotension compared to other LA adjuvants. Using intrathecal dexmedetomidine instead of opioids decreases the incidence of shivering and pruritus.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
DNP Capstone Project
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine, Subarachnoid Blockade, Cesarean Section, Intrathecal Opioids, Local Anesthetic Adjuvants
Advisor
Tritt, Matt
Degree
Doctoral-Other
Degree Grantor
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Degree Year
2022
Recommended Citation
Funk, Mark, "Dexmedetomidine as an intrathecal adjuvant for subarachnoid block for women undergoing elective cesarean section: An integrative review" (2024). Group: Bryan College of Health Sciences Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Collection. 47.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/group_bryan_dnap/47
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Review Type
Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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