Dexmedetomidine and Bronchoscopy - Abstract
Bronchoscopy is an invasive and annoying procedure for the patient. During the course of the bronchoscopy, catecholamine release may occur, with tachycardia and hypertension, which, in patients with compromised cardiovascular function can lead to complications and hemodynamic deterioration.
Nowadays, guidelines recommend offer sedation to patients provided there are no contraindications. Sedation improves patient anxiety, tolerance to test, bronchoscopist and patient comfort, cost-effectiveness (particularly in EBUS), and willingness to repeat the test in case of need.
Different drugs have probe its usefulness for bronchoscopy sedation.
Dexmedetomidine is a potent and highly selective ?-2 adrenoceptor agonist with sedative, analgesic, anxiolytic, sympatholytic and opioid-limiting properties. It offers a conscious sedation, in which the patients seem to be inert but really respond easily when stimulated, which allows them to collaborate if necessary.
Its onset of rapid action and its relatively short duration, make it a suitable agent for performing bronchoscopy sedation because it can be easily titrated. It is noteworthy that dexmedetomidine appears to have minimal respiratory depression, which makes it a safe agent in patients who are breathing spontaneously. In addition, it offers potential benefits in relation to neuroprotection, cardioprotection and kidney-protection.