Effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics and neurological function in patients with spinal fracture and thoracic spinal cord injury

Zan Xiaogang; Mu Jixia

doi:10.11850/j.issn.1009-122X.2025.04.006

Abstract：Objective To investigate the application of dexmedetomidine in patients with spinal fractures complicated by thoracic spinal cord injury.Methods The anesthesia management of 92 patients with spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of anesthetic agents used:the control group(n=46),which received sufentanil for anesthesia,and the observation group(n=46),which was administered dexmedetomidine in addition to the same anesthesia regimen as the control group.The anesthetic effects were compared between the two groups.Results At 30 minutes post-anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery,the heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),cortisol(Cor),and norepinephrine(NE)levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).Postoperatively,the levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),nerve growth factor(NGF),S100 calcium binding protein β(S100β),and substance P(SP)in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The recovery profile in the observation group,including time to respiratory recovery,time to eye opening,and time to tracheal extubation,was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions Continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine stabilizes hemodynamics,attenuates stress responses,and protects neurological function in patients with spinal fractures and spinal cord injury.It facilitates rapid postoperative recovery without severe adverse reactions,providing valuable reference information for clinical anesthesia protocol development.