ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Methods A total of 50 patients with obstructive sleep apnea were divided into 2 groups: a dexmedetomidine group and a control group. Dexmedetomidine and 0.9% saline solution were given before and during the operation in the dexmedetomidine group and the control group respectively. MMSE scores were estimated at different time, and the concentration of serum S100β and NSE were detected before anesthesia at 3 h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after operation. Results One day after surgery, MMES score decreased significantly in both groups,of which MMES was notably higher in the DEX group than that in the control group (P<0.05). In both groups, S100βand NSE levels were significantly higher at T2, T3 and T4 than those at T1, and were the highest at T3 (P<0.05). S100β and NSE levels were significantly lower in the DEX group than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce the incidence of POCD in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Its mechanism may relate to neuroprotection.
