Background
Emergence delirium (ED) is a common complication after general anesthesia in pediatrics, as reported by pediatric anesthesiologists. Multiple drugs have been suggested to prevent the incidence of this problem. Herein, we compared dexmedetomidine and propofol in the prevention of ED in pediatric patients undergoing cataract surgery under general anesthesia.
Results
Age, gender, and the duration of PACU stay showed no significant difference between the two groups. ED was encountered in 5% and 27.5% of patients in the Dex and Pro groups, respectively, with a significant decline in association with dexmedetomidine. Delirium and pain scores were significantly decreased in the Dex group throughout all times of measurement. The same group expressed a significant decrease in most heart rate and arterial pressure measurements. Hypotension was encountered in 15% of patients in the Dex group versus no cases in the Pro group.
Conclusion
Dexmedetomidine is superior to propofol in the prevention of ED in pediatrics. It is also associated with better post-operative pain scores.