Supplementary file 1_The anxiolytic effect of dexmedetomidine in adult perioperative patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.docx

The use of dexmedetomidine during perioperative procedures is increasing, but evidence on its effects on anxiety-related outcomes remains to be systematically synthesized.</p>Methods<p>This systematic review was based on searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library from database inception through May 4, 2026.

Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating perioperative dexmedetomidine in adults and reporting quantitative anxiety outcomes.</p>Results<p>Twelve RCTs involving 1,373 participants were included. Overall anxiety scores were lower with dexmedetomidine than with control (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI [−1.37, −0.10]; P = 0.028; I² = 94.2%; 95% prediction interval [−2.97, 1.50]). Within 24 h after surgery, the pooled estimate likewise favored dexmedetomidine (6 RCTs; SMD = −0.83; 95% CI [−1.58, −0.07]; P = 0.038; I² = 92.9%; 95% prediction interval [−2.76, 1.11]).