Paediatric anaesthesia
-
Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2013
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy and safety of intraoperative dexmedetomidine for acute postoperative pain in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Aim of the current meta-analysis was to assess the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and adverse events in comparison with placebo or opioids in children undergoing surgery. ⋯ This meta-analysis revealed a lower risk for postoperative pain and the need for postoperative opioids following intraoperative dexmedetomidine in comparison with placebo or opioids in children undergoing surgery; however, the influence of dexmedetomidine on postoperative opioid consumption is less clear. Although there were only a limited number of adverse events, further studies focusing on procedure specific dexmedetomidine dosing and adverse events are urgently needed.