Clonidine and ketamine for stable hemodynamics in off-pump coronary artery bypass

Background The current era of fast-track extubation and faster recovery after cardiac surgery requires agents that provide perioperative sedation, suppress sympathetic response, reduce opioid requirement, and maintain hemodynamic stability. Methods In a prospective randomized double-blind study, 75 off-pump coronary artery bypass patients were divided into 3 groups of 25 each: group A had clonidine 1 µg·kg–1, group B had clonidine 1 µg·kg–1 and ketamine 1 mg·kg–1, and group C had a saline placebo. Perioperative changes in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, sedation score, pain score, and requirement of analgesics, beta blockers, fentanyl, propofol, and inotropes were recorded, as well time to extubation, intensive care unit stay, and 30-day mortality. Results The combination of clonidine and ketamine led to stable hemodynamics and reduced beta-blocker dosage. The sedation score was highest in groups A and B up to 24 h postoperatively. The pain score was lowest in group B in the first 24 h, and the total dose of analgesics was highest in group C. Clonidine and ketamine or clonidine alone reduced extubation time, but intensive care unit stay was unchanged Conclusions Combined low-dose clonidine and ketamine produced perioperative sedation and effective suppression of sympathetic response with stable hemodynamics. Intraoperative beta-blocker use was reduced without increasing inotrope requirement. This combination prolonged the analgesic effect of opioids, reducing postoperative pain score and analgesic requirement. Low-dose clonidine alone produced sedation but did not completely block sympathetic response. Intensive care unit stay and patient outcome were not affected by clonidine or ketamine.