J Audiol Otol.  2019 Apr;23(2):89-95. 10.7874/jao.2018.00311.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine Infusion During Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Otoacoustic Emissions

• Åžahin MÄ
• Vural A
• Akın A
• Ketenci Ä
• Ãœnlü Y

• KMID: 2447579
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2018.00311

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Knowing the ototoxic potential of the agents used in medical treatments is important for the protection of hearing. Although we have knowledge regarding some effects of dexmedetomidine, which is an anesthetic-sparing drug, its influence over the hearing system has never been studied and is obscure yet. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine application during sevoflurane anesthesia on otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
This prospective randomized study was performed on 60 patients (34 male, 26 female, mean age: 30.6±9.2 years) who were scheduled for an elective surgery under general anesthesia and the patients were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. They received dexmedetomidine (Group D) or Saline (Group S) infusion during a standardized Sevoflurane anesthesia. Transient and distortion product OAEs were measured preoperatively and postoperatively (24th hour). OAE results were compared within and between groups.
RESULTS
In group D postoperative OAEs were lower than preoperative OAEs and postoperative levels of group S, especially at low frequencies (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Dexmedetomidine infusion affects the micromechanical function of cochlea especially in the low-frequency region. Dexmedetomidine should be carefully used during general anesthesia to avoid its probable harmful effects on cochlear micromechanics.

Keyword

Dexmedetomidine; Adrenergic alpha-2 receptor agonists; Otoacoustic emissions; Sevoflurane; Inhalational anesthetics

MeSH Terms

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
Anesthesia*
Anesthesia, General
Cochlea
Dexmedetomidine*
Female
Hearing
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
Dexmedetomidine