Effect of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic changes and inflammatory responses in patients undergoing off‑pump coronary‑artery bypass grafting

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic changes and inflammatory responses in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). A total of 300 patients about to receive OPCABG were randomized evenly into the control group (n=116) and study group (n=123). Intravenous dexmedetomidine pump infusion was administered to patients in the study group at a rate of 0.4 [micro]g.[kg.sup.-1].[h.sup.-1]. The control group received physiological saline at the same infusion speed. Changes in hemodynamic parameters and inflammatory indices were compared between the two groups. Hemodynamic parameters, such as the heart rate and mean arterial pressure, were lower in patients from the study group, compared with that in the control group (both P