Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Endogenous Antioxidant Levels and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Dexmedetomidine reduces perioperative catecholamine concentrations and confers hemodynamic and sympathetic stability. It adjusts coronary blood flow and is known as one of the ideal anesthetic drugs, especially for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The present study was performed to evaluate the potential of dexmedetomidine to protect against oxidative stress during CABG.Methods: The present double-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 58 patients undergoing CABG at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. After anesthesia induction, the patients were allocated to the trial (dexmedetomidine) and control (normal saline solution) groups. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde were measured in samples obtained from arterial catheters before the intervention, after pump weaning, and 24 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission.Results: Only total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde at the third measurement point at the ICU were lower in the trial group than in the control group. The levels of circulatory antioxidants were higher in the trial group than in the control group before the intervention and after pump weaning. No significant differences were observed regarding circulatory antioxidant levels between the trial and control groups.Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine infusion before and during CABG might improve endocardial blood flow and hemodynamic stability among patients undergoing CABG.