Dexmedetomidine in oxycodone patient-controlled analgesia after lumbar spinal fusion: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors' conclusion
Adding dexmedetomidine to oxycodone PCA provided modest early opioid-sparing effects without reducing 72-h opioid consumption.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing major lumbar spinal fusionincluded in final analysis
- Participants
- 98 adults
- Comparison
- Dexmedetomidine 2.5, 5 or 10 μg/ml vs placebo added to oxycodone patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
- Primary endpoint
- Cumulative oxycodone consumption
- Follow-up
- 24 h
Methodological detailsdouble-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding
- Double-blind
- Placebo-controlled
- Dose-finding
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
- No differences in cumulative consumption at 24 h; unchanged after adjustment for age and weight
Further findings
| Outcome | Mean difference (mg) (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioid consumption at 1 h (unadjusted) · 1 hD10 vs D0 · lower in D10 | 3.1 (0.6–5.9) | P = 0.011 | |
| Opioid consumption at 2 h (unadjusted) · 2 hD10 vs D0 · lower in D10 | 3.7 (0.5–6.9) | P = 0.019 | |
| Opioid consumption at 2 h (unadjusted) · 2 hD5 vs D0 · lower in D5 | 3.5 (0.3–6.9) | P = 0.027 | |
| −50510Difference, mg (linear scale) |
Cumulative opioid consumption at 72 h
- No differences
Safety
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| PONV and itching · 24 hDexmedetomidine vs D0 · less PONV with dexmedetomidine | P = 0.04 |
| PONV and itching · 24 hDexmedetomidine vs D0 · less itching with dexmedetomidine | P = 0.024 |
PONV and itching · 24 h
- Other adverse events and patient satisfaction comparable
Original publication
Dexmedetomidine in oxycodone patient-controlled analgesia after lumbar spinal fusion: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Anesth. Published 27 March 2026. doi:10.
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