Objectives
Atrial fibrillation is a common complication associated with cardiac surgery after cardiopulmonary bypass with a deleterious effect on morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to compare between dexmedetomidine and propofol in reducing atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Design
A randomized prospective cohort study.
Setting
Conducted in Alexandria main university hospital.
Participants
98 patients of either sex ASA II physical status aged 40–60 years.
Interventions
All patients were subjected to either propofol or dexmedetomidine infusion after cardiac surgery according to the assigned group.
Measurements and Main Results
The patients were divided into two groups where first group received dexmedetomidine infusion as postoperative sedation and the second group received propofol infusion. Both groups were assessed for incidence of atrial fibrillation, hypotension and length of intensive care stay. Incidence with atrial fibrillation was 0.9% in dexmedetomidine group vs. 13% in propofol group (P = 0.001) and intensive care stay was prolonged in propofol group 4.6 ± 1.2 day vs. 2.7 ± 1 for dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding blood pressure or heart rate.
Conclusion
The use of dexmedetomidine for sedation after cardiac surgery was associated with a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation and hence decreased the duration of intensive care stay.