The combination of both BIS and sedative scales could provide different and complementary data to the clinician evaluating the patient's response to sedation than would either tool alone, especially when dexmedetomidine is used.

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00273377.

Sto(2) measured at the upper arm only 75 minutes after colorectal surgery predicted development of postoperative SSI, although the infections were typically diagnosed more than a week later. Although further testing is required, Sto(2) measurements may be able to predict SSI and thus allow earlier preventive measures to be implemented.

Aminophylline decreases the sedative effects of propofol but does not affect MAC of desflurane as determined by tetanic electrical stimulation.

The combination of buspirone and dexmedetomidine additively reduced the shivering threshold. Thus, supplementing dexmedetomidine with buspirone blocks shivering and causes only minimal sedation.