Practical Geriatrics

Practical Geriatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (8): 821-825.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-9198.2026.08.013

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Effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist on elderly patients undergoing cataract phacoemulsification surgery

FANG Xiangxiang, YANG Qingsong, JU Xuejun, JIANG Qiaomei, BAO Hongguang, LI Jiang, DING Zhenqin   

  1. Department of Anesthesiology (FANG Xiangxiang, JU Xuejun, JIANG Qiaomei); Department of Ophthalmology(YANG Qingsong), Nanjing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to the Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing 211102, China;
    Department of Anesthesiology (BAO Hongguang); Department of Science and Education (DING Zhenqin), Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006,China;
    Queen Elizabeth Medical Hospital, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom(LI Jiang)
  • Received:2026-01-26 Online:2026-08-20 Published:2026-08-24
  • Contact: YANG Qingsong, Email:Yangqs@njtrh.org

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Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics, blood glucose levels, early postoperative cognitive function, and adverse reactions at various time points in elderly patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataract surgery. Methods A total of 96 patients were enrolled for elective phacoemulsification surgery at Nanjing Tongren Hospital. Using a computer-generated block randomization sequence, the subjects were allocated in a 1∶1 ratio to either the dexmedetomidine group (Group D) or the normal saline control group (Group C), with 48 cases in each group. Both groups underwent standard mydriasis and local anesthesia prior to surgery. Group D received continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine via a pump until the end of surgery (total dose: 0.5 μg/kg); Group C received an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of both groups were recorded 1 d before surgery, as well as 1, 3, 7 d after operation. The changes in hemodynamic parameters and blood glucose levels at different intraoperative time points were compared between the two groups, as well as patient’s and surgeon’s satisfaction rates and incidence of adverse reactions. Results Compared with Group C, Group D exhibited higher MMSE score at each postoperative time point, more stable intraoperative hemodynamics, smaller fluctuations in blood glucose, and significantly increased satisfaction rates among surgeons and patients (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can improve early postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing cataract phacoemulsification, enhance patient comfort, and stabilize perioperative hemodynamics and blood glucose variations.

Key words: α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, cataract phacoemulsification, postoperative cognitive function, perioperative blood glucose fluctuations, hemodynamics

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