The goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of perioperative use of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on outcomes for older patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A total of 505 patients (equal or greater than 65 years old) who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or valve surgery, CABG and/or valve surgery plus other procedures were divided into 2 groups: 283 received intravenous Dex infusion (Dex group) and 222 did not (Non-Dex group). Results from this study suggested perioperative use dexmedetomidine was associated with a decrease in in-hospital and operative mortality in elderly patients following cardiac surgery. It also reduced incidence of postoperative stroke and delirium in elderly patients.

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