Role of Dexmedetomidine in reduction of arrhythmias post long cardiopulmonary bypass exposure

This study is a placebo-controlled, case-control trial conducted at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, to evaluate the role of dexmedetomidine in reducing arrhythmias post long cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) exposure.

Study Design:

• **Type:** Case-control study

• **Setting:** Department of Anaesthesiology & CTVS, KGMU

• **Duration:** One year

• **Sample Size:** 176 patients (88 per group)

• **Groups:**

• **Group A (Intervention):** Dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg over 10 minutes during CPB rewarming)

• **Group B (Control):** Placebo (normal saline)

Objectives:

• **Primary Outcome: Reduction in the incidence of arrhythmias post-CPB (e.g., premature ventricular contractions, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia).

• **Secondary Outcomes:

• Fast-tracking recovery(earlier extubation, shorter ICU stay)

• Reduced need for anti-arrhythmic drugs(e.g., amiodarone)

Time Points for Outcome Assessment:

• Primary Outcome:**

• Pre-induction (baseline), intraoperative (during CPB rewarming), and postoperative (ICU stay).

• Secondary Outcomes:

• **Fast-tracking recovery: Time to extubation and ICU discharge.

• **Need for anti-arrhythmic drugs: Postoperative ICU period until hospital discharge.

Methodology:

• Patients undergoing elective valve replacement or congenital cardiac surgery will be enrolled.

• Randomization and allocation concealment methods are not explicitly mentioned but likely involve computer-generated sequences and sealed envelopes.

• Statistical analysis will be done using SPSS and MS Excel, with a **p-value < 0.05** considered significant.

This study aims to determine whether dexmedetomidine administration during CPB rewarming can effectively reduce perioperative arrhythmias, improve hemodynamic stability and facilitate faster postoperative recovery.