Safety in the use of dexmedetomidine (precedex) for deep brain stimulation surgery: our experience in 23 randomized patients.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.


METHODS
A cohort of 23 patients, candidates for DBS for Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, was randomized in two groups: dexmedetomidine group and control group. Standard anesthesiologic parameters were recorded and analyzed, together with the need for other medications. A ten-degree scale (visual analog scale) assessing patient discomfort during DBS also was recorded at the end of surgery.


RESULTS
The results demonstrated good stability of intraoperative monitoring: no respiratory depression and good overall cooperation with the neurologist, while no side-effects were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Our conclusion is that dexmedetomidine should be considered as a valuable option for sedation in poorly collaborating patients undergoing DBS surgery.
Functional Neurosurgical Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi, Milan, Italy; Department of Statistics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Institute of Neurology Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Marco
M
Sassi
Edvin
E
Zekaj
Alessandra
A
Grotta
Alberto
A
Pollini
Armando
A
Pellanda
Massimo
M
Borroni
Claudio
C
Pacchetti
Claudia
C
Menghetti
Mauro
M
Porta
Domenico
D
Servello
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D020927:Dexmedetomidine