Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine Loading for Dexmedetomidine Sedation During Elective Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

Overview

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study designed to compare the maternal and early neonatal effects of a loading dose of dexmedetomidine versus low-dose ketamine in parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an intravenous loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) or intravenous ketamine (0.15 mg/kg) immediately after the establishment of spinal anesthesia. In both groups, sedation will be maintained with a continuous dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h. The primary and secondary outcomes include maternal hemodynamic parameters, sedation levels, patient and surgeon satisfaction scores, neonatal Apgar scores, and perioperative adverse events.

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study is designed to evaluate and compare the maternal and early neonatal effects of a loading dose of dexmedetomidine versus low-dose ketamine in parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. After providing written informed consent, eligible parturients will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Blinding will be maintained for both participants and outcome assessors. Following the establishment of spinal anesthesia, patients will receive either an intravenous loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) or ketamine (0.15 mg/kg). In both groups, sedation will be maintained with a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h throughout the intraoperative period. Maternal hemodynamic parameters (including heart rate and blood pressure), sedation levels, patient and surgeon satisfaction scores, neonatal Apgar scores, and perioperative adverse events will be recorded at predefined time points throughout the perioperative period. Standard anesthetic and surgical care will be provided to all participants. The primary objective of the study is to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and ketamine on maternal hemodynamic stability. Secondary outcomes include the quality of sedation, patient and surgeon satisfaction, neonatal outcomes, and perioperative adverse events.