The Effect of Adding Dexmedetomidine to Modified Del Nido Cardioplegia Solution on Myocardial Protection in Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Defect Surgery - A Prospective, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Trial.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an indispensable factor in pediatric congenital heart defect (CHD) surgery. Although effective myocardial protection strategies are crucial, the issue remains a dilemma. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to modified Del Nido cardioplegia on myocardial protection in children undergoing CHD surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial. A total of 60 pediatric patients were enrolled and randomized 1:1 into two groups - an intervention group that received dexmedetomidine-enriched modified Del Nido cardioplegia and a control group that received standard modified Del Nido cardioplegia with normal saline. Primary outcomes included serum troponin I and creatine kinase-MB levels, as well as coronary sinus lactate levels. Secondary outcomes were the vasoactive-inotropic score, weaning time from mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit length of stay. RESULTS: Adding dexmedetomidine to modified Del Nido cardioplegia significantly improved myocardial protection in children undergoing CHD surgery. The intervention group showed significantly lower troponin I levels at all postoperative time points compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Similarly, the dexmedetomidine group had significantly lower vasoactive-inotropic score at all time points (P < 0.001). Patients in the intervention group also experienced a significantly shorter mean ventilator weaning time (P < 0.001) and intensive care unit stay duration (P < 0.001). The overall distribution of postoperative morbidities did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.059). CONCLUSION: Adding dexmedetomidine to modified Del Nido cardioplegia significantly improved myocardial protection in children undergoing corrective CHD surgery.
Source: PubMed
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225326635