Comparison of the perfusion index as an index of noxious stimulation in monitored anesthesia care of propofol/remifentanil and propofol/dexmedetomidine: a prospective, randomized, case-control, observational study

Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine, one of the sedatives, has an analgesic effect. We aimed to investigate postoperative analgesia with dexmedetomidine as adjuvants for procedural sedation using perfusion index (PI). Methods In this prospective, randomized, case-control, observational study, 72 adult patients, 19–70 years, who were scheduled for chemoport insertion under monitored anesthesia care were performed. According to the group assignment, remifentanil or dexmedetomidine was simultaneously infused with propofol. The primary outcome was PI 30 min after admission to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). And, pain severity using numerical rating scale (NRS) score and the relationship between NRS score and PI were investigated. Results During PACU staying, PI values were significantly different between the two groups PI values at 30 min after admission to the PACU were 1.3 (0.9–2.0) in the remifentanil group and 4.5 (2.9–6.8) in the dexmedetomidine group (median difference, 3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 4.2; P < 0.001). The NRS scores at 30 min after admission to the PACU were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.002). However, there was a weak positive correlation between NRS score and PI in the PACU (correlation coefficient, 0.188; P = 0.01). Conclusion We could not find a significant correlation between PI and NRS score for postoperative pain control. Using PI as a single indicator of pain is insufficient. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry of Korea, https://cris.nih.go.kr: KCT0003501, the date of registration: 13/02/2019.