ABSTRACT
Background: The general anesthetic agents pose significant challenges to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Hence, the safety profile of these agents must be carefully studied and monitored. The present study aimed to compare the effects of low‑dose dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This randomized and cross‑sectional study was conducted on 100 patients belonging to both genders aged between 20 and 50 years, comprising 65 males and 35 female subjects. The ethical committee approval by the Ethics Committee of Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Bhopal, was obtained, following which informed written consent was taken from all the study subjects. The patients were randomly categorized into two groups: (a) Group I: This group comprised 50 patients receiving dexmedetomidine and (b) Group II: This group comprised of patients (n = 50) who received fentanyl. Dexmedetomidine (30–50 µg) and fentanyl (100 µg) were used as premedication agents. All obtained values were noted as descriptive statistical values, i.e., mean ± standard deviation (SD). Obtained data were compared to analyze any alterations. Results and Observations: On analyzing different parameters associated with dexmedetomidine in male subjects, blood pressure levels in 20–40 years, 40–60 years, and 60–80 years of age groups were found to be 120/80 ± 10, 110/70 ± 10, and 100/70 ± 10 mmHg, respectively. On comparison of heart rates, the mean ± SD values were found to be 68 ± 10 (20–40 years), 60 ± 10 (40–60 years), and 50 ± 10 mmHg (60–80 years). In female subjects who were administered dexmedetomidine, the mean ± SD blood pressure was found to be 120/70 ± 10 (20–40 years), in 40–60 years of age group, it was observed as 100/70 ± 10, and in 60–80 years of age group, the mean ± SD was obtained as 96/60 ± 10. On analysis of heart rate in females of 20–40 years of age range, mean ± SD heart rate was observed as 60 ± 10, whereas in 40–60 years, it was recorded as 55 ± 10. In the 60–80 years of age group, the mean ± SD heart rate was obtained as 50 ± 10. On analyzing blood pressure and heart rate in male study participants who were administered Fentanyl observations made were as follows: Blood pressure analysis showed in 20–40 years of age range, it was found to be 130/80 ± 10 mmHg, in 40–60 years of age range, it was observed as 120/80 ± 10 mmHg whereas in 60–80 years of age group, it was observed as 110/70 ± 10 mmHg and (b) Heart rate: Mean ± SD values of heart rate were – 74 ± 10, 68 ± 10, and 65 ± 10 beats/min in 20–40 years, 40–60 years, and 60–80 years of age ranges, respectively. In female subjects who received fentanyl, they were found to be 130/70 ± 10 mmHg in 20–40 years of age group, 120/70 ± 10 mmHg in 40–60 years of age group, and 110/70 ± 10 mmHg in 60–80 years of age range. On studying heart rate, in 20–40 years of age group, the mean ± SD values were found to be 76 ± 10 beats/min, 70 ± 10 beats/min in 40–60‑year age range, and 65 ± 10 beats/min in 60–80‑year age range. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine was found to have a higher safety profile when compared to fentanyl.
