Emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a comparison of propofol vs sevoflurane anesthesia

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is a frequent postoperative complication in young children undergoing ENT procedures and it may be exacerbated by sevoflurane anesthesia whereas propofol maintenance has been suggested to decrease the incidence of ED. The aim of this randomized, prospective, double‐blind study was to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane vs propofol anesthesia on the quality of recovery after adenotonsillectomy. Methods: Forty‐two patients were randomized to maintenance with either propofol or sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy. At the conclusion of surgery, patients were extubated awake. ED and pain were assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Scale (CHEOPS), respectively. Higher PAED scores (0–20) indicate greater severity of ED. Nursing and parental satisfaction, hospital length of stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), anesthetic complications, and subsequent emergency room admissions were also assessed. Results: Median PAED score was 14 in the propofol group and 17 in the sevoflurane group (NS). Propofol was associated with less pain medication required during recovery and a lower incidence of PONV (5.3% vs 36.8%, P < 0.05). Nursing and parental satisfaction as well as time spent in recovery room was similar for the two groups. Conclusion: Propofol anesthesia does not influence agitation after adenotonsillectomy, as measured by the PAED score. A PAED score of ≥10 was not useful in identifying patients with ED. However, propofol maintenance is associated with less need for pain medication in the recovery room and a lower incidence of PONV compared to sevoflurane anesthesia.     

Emergence agitation after cataract surgery in children: a comparison of midazolam,propofol and ketamine

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the concurrent use of either of a subhypnotic dose of midazolam, propofol or ketamine with fentanyl just before discontinuing the sevoflurane anesthesia would effectively sedate the children as they recovered and significantly decrease the incidence and severity of emergence agitation and would not delay patient awakening and discharge. Background: Postoperative emergence agitation may occur in children after general anesthesia with volatile anesthetics. Children who undergo cataract surgery after sevoflurane induction and sevoflurane–remifentanil maintenance may experience this type of agitation. Methods/Materials: In 120 un‐premedicated children aged 1–7 years, mask induction with sevoflurane was performed and they were then randomly assigned to one of the three antiagitation postoperative groups (n = 40). We studied the postoperative antiagitation effects of subhypnotic doses of midazolam combined with fentanyl, propofol with fentanyl or ketamine with fentanyl administered just before discontinuing the sevoflurane anesthesia. A score for the level of agitation can be assigned based on the recovery mental state (RMS) scale and the recently published pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale (PAED). Postoperative factors assessed included emergence behaviors, the time to eye opening, the time to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to the ward. Results: There were significantly more agitated children in the ketamine‐group when compared to the midazolam‐group or to the propofol‐group at all time P < 0.05), especially at 10 and 15 min. The PAED scale showed a significant advantage for midazolam–fentanyl [5 (2–15)] and propofol–fentanyl [6 (3–15)] versus ketamine–fentanyl [10 (3–20)] (P < 0.05). The time to discharge from the PACU to the ward was not significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Intravenous administration of a subhypnotic dose of midazolam or propofol in addition to a low dose of fentanyl just before discontinuing the sevoflurane anesthesia was both effective on decreasing the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in children undergoing cataract extraction without significant delaying recovery time and discharge. The effect of midazolam was clearer than that seen with propofol.     

Postoperative agitation in preschool children following emergence from sevoflurane or halothane anesthesia: A randomized study on the forestalling effect of midazolam premedication versus parental presence at induction of anesthesia

ObjectiveThe effect of midazolam premedication on forestalling postoperative agitation in children is not yet concluded. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of midazolam premedication and parental presence during anesthetic induction on the incidence of postoperative agitation in pediatric patients.MethodsOne hundred sixty-seven children between 2 years and 7 years of age, undergoing anesthesia for outpatient surgery, were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups: sevoflurane anesthesia with parental presence without premedication, sevoflurane anesthesia with oral midazolam premedication, halothane anesthesia with parental presence without premeditation, and halothane anesthesia with oral midazolam premedication. The children randomized to the premedication groups took oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg 20–30 minutes before anesthetic induction. For patients in the groups without premedication, one of the parents was present throughout the induction of anesthesia. One recovery room nurse blinded to the group assignment observed the patients and recorded the agitation scores all through their stay in the postanesthesia care unit.ResultsPostoperative agitation was significantly less in patients who received halothane anesthesia with oral midazolam premedication (p < 0.002).ConclusionBased on our data, the presence of a parent at induction of sevoflurance anesthesia was as effective as midazolam premedication in decreasing the incidence of postoperative agitation. Midazolam premedication, however, decreased postoperative agitation when halothane was used as the anesthetic agent.     

Nalbuphine reduces the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing Adenotonsillectomy: A prospective,randomized, double-blind,multicenter study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of nalbuphine on emergence agitation (EA) in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.DesignMulticenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.SettingThe First People's Hospital of Foshan and three other participating institutions in China, from April 2020 to December 2021.PatientsEight hundred patients, 3–9 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I or II, undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy were included.InterventionsNalbuphine (0.1 mg/kg) or saline was administered intravenously.MeasurementsThe incidence of EA; the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale; and the faces, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scales. Extubation time, duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, anesthesia nurses' and parents' satisfaction, and other side effects.Main resultsThe incidence of EA in the nalbuphine group was lower than that in the saline group 30 min after extubation (10.28% vs. 28.39%, P = 0.000). In addition, the FLACC scores in the nalbuphine group were lower than those in the saline group 30 min after extubation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the proportion of moderate-to-severe pain cases (FLACC scores >3) was significantly lower in the nalbuphine group than in the saline group (33.58% vs. 60.05%, P = 0.000). Adjusting the imbalance of postoperative pain intensity, the risk of EA was still lower in the nalbuphine group at 0 min (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26–0.60; P = 0.000), (OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval), 10 min (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19–0.79; P = 0.01), and 20 min (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08–0.99; P = 0.046) than in the saline group. There were no significant differences in extubation time, duration of PACU stay, nausea and vomiting, or respiratory depression between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionNalbuphine reduced the incidence of EA in children after adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia, which may be involved in both analgesic and non-analgesic pathways.     

Target-controlled induction with 2.5% sevoflurane does not avoid the risk of electroencephalographic abnormalities

Background

Epileptiform discharges (ED) can occur during sevoflurane induction, especially in young female patients and when high alveolar concentrations are used. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether low sevoflurane concentration reduces the occurrence of ED in female patients.

Methods

Thirty-four female patients scheduled for minor gynecological surgery were prospectively included and randomized in two groups. In group A, anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane inspired 8% manually set via the circuit of the Zeus^® (Dräger Medical, Lübeck, Germany) anesthesia workstation (fresh gas flow 8 L.min⁻¹) for 2 min and then 2.5%. In group B, induction was performed by target-controlled inhalation with a target end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane set at 2.5% (fresh gas flow in auto-control mode). Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in the operating room throughout induction till two min after intubation and analyzed off-line by a neurophysiologist blinded to the randomization.

Results

ED occurred in five patients (15%): one in group A and four in group B (P > 0.05). ED occurred with a median delay of 303 s [25–75 interquartiles: 135–418] and the median duration of ED episode was 13 s [3–78]. Fifteen patients had abnormal movements without simultaneous EEG abnormality.

Conclusion

Induction of anesthesia with low target concentration of sevoflurane (2.5%) fails to totally prevent the occurrence of ED in young female patients and should be used carefully in this population.     

Does mortality after trauma team activation peak at shift change?

BackgroundPrior institutional data have demonstrated trauma mortality to be highest between 06:00–07:59 at our center, which is also when providers change shifts (07:00–07:30). The objective was definition of patient, provider, and systems variables associated with trauma mortality at shift change among patients arriving as trauma team activations (TTA).MethodsAll TTA patients at our ACS-verified Level I trauma center were included (01/2008–07/2019), excluding those with undocumented arrival time. Study groups were defined by arrival time: shift change (SC) (06:00–07:59) vs. non-shift change (NSC) (all other times). Univariable/multivariable analyses compared key variables. Propensity score analysis compared outcomes after matching.ResultsAfter exclusions, 6020 patients remained: 229 (4%) SC and 5791 (96%) NSC. SC mortality was 25% vs. 16% during NSC (p < 0.001). More SC patients arrived with SBP <90 (19% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) or GCS <9 (35% vs. 24%, p < 0.001). ISS was higher during SC (43[32–50] vs. 34[27–50], p < 0.001). Time to CT scan (36[23–66] vs. 38[23–61] minutes, p = 0.638) and emergent surgery (94[35–141] vs. 63[34–107] minutes, p = 0.071) were comparable. Older age (p < 0.001), SBP <90 (p < 0.001), GCS <9 (p < 0.001), need for emergent operative intervention (p = 0.044), and higher ISS (p < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. After propensity score matching, mortality was no different between SC and NSC (p = 0.764).ConclusionsEarly morning is a low-volume, high-mortality time for TTAs. Increased mortality at shift change was independently associated with patient/injury factors but not provider/systems factors. Ensuring ample clinical resource allocation during this high acuity time may be prudent to streamline patient care at shift change.     

Prevalence of discordant elevations of state entropy and bispectral index in patients at amnestic sevoflurane concentrations: a historical cohort study

Background

Processed electroencephalogram (EEG) monitors help assess the hypnotic state during general anesthesia or sedation. Maintaining the bispectral index (BIS) or state entropy (SE) between 40 and 60 has been recommended to mitigate anesthesia awareness. Nonetheless, SEs > 70 were frequently observed at end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations unlikely to allow awareness. We sought to determine the prevalence of elevated discordant measurements during BIS and SE monitoring.

Methods

Electronic data collected over 11 months at two academic hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. At the hospital using SE, all cases were included with patients ≥ 18 yr and sevoflurane administered for at least 30 min during surgery. A cohort of cases propensity matched by age and American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status were selected from the hospital using BIS. Elevated discordant EEG indices were defined as values > 70 occurring during stable end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations > 1.5%. The odds ratio (OR) based on the probability of a case having at least one elevated discordant SE or BIS lasting ≥ two minutes (primary endpoint) was calculated.

Results

At each hospital, 3,690 cases were studied. The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) incidence of cases with at least one interval of an elevated discordant EEG index lasting at least two minutes was 3.6% (2.8% to 4.4%) for SE compared with 0.24% (0.17% to 0.27%) for BIS (pooled OR, 17.0; 95% CI, 8.3 to 34.7; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of an elevated discordant EEG index is much greater with SE than with BIS. Elevated index values occurring at anesthetic concentrations well above the awareness threshold need to be assessed to determine if they indicate an inadequate depth of anesthesia requiring treatment or if they simply reflect the underlying monitoring algorithm.

     

Pre-operative breathing training based on video learning reduces emergence delirium in preschool children: A randomized clinical trial

Study objectiveEmergence delirium is a common complication in preschool children after general anesthesia and may result in undesirable complications. This study aimed to determine whether breathing training after watching an informative video during the pre-operative visit could reduce the incidence of emergence delirium in preschool children after otorhinolaryngologic surgery under general anesthesia.DesignA single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.SettingPerioperative care.PatientsA total of 170 children undergoing otorhinolaryngologic surgery, aged 3–7 years, ASA physical status I or II were involved.InterventionsPatients were randomized to receive breathing training during the pre-operative visit (Training group) or to receive pre-operative visit only (Control group) the day before surgery.MeasurementsEmergence delirium was measured by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score during the anesthesia recovery time. Data regarding extubation time and post-anesthesia care unit stay time were collected.Main resultsChildren who received breathing training during the pre-operative visit had a significantly lower incidence of emergence delirium than those who only underwent the pre-operative visit (10.4% vs. 35.1%, P < 0.001). The awakening time score and the maximum score in the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly lower in the training group compared with the control group [4.4 ± 3.4 vs. 6.9 ± 4.2, P < 0.001 and 5.0 (5.0) vs 7.0 (7.0), P = 0.001, respectively]. We found no differences in the extubation time and post-anesthesia care unit stay time between groups.ConclusionsWe concluded that breathing training based on video learning during the pre-operative visit in preschool children undergoing otorhinolaryngologic surgery could significantly decrease the incidence of emergence delirium.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (Reference number: ChiCTR1900026162); registered on September 24, 2019.     

Incidência de delírio ao despertar e fatores de risco após o uso de sevoflurano em pacientes pediátricos para cirurgia ambulatorial,Kingston, Jamaica

Background and objectivesEmergence delirium is a distressing complication of the use of sevoflurane for general anesthesia. This study sought to determine the incidence of emergence delirium and risk factors in patients at a specialist pediatric hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional, observational study including pediatric patients aged 3–10 years, ASA I and II, undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane for elective day‐case procedures. Data collected included patients’ level of anxiety pre‐operatively using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, surgery performed, anesthetic duration and analgesics administered. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for emergence delirium, defined as agitation with non‐purposeful movement, restlessness or thrashing; inconsolability and unresponsiveness to nursing and/or parental presence. The need for pharmacological treatment and post‐operative complications related to emergence delirium episodes were also noted.Results145 children were included, with emergence delirium occurring in 28 (19.3%). Emergence delirium episodes had a mean duration of 6.9 ± 7.8 min, required pharmacologic intervention in 19 (67.8%) children and were associated with a prolonged recovery time (49.4 ± 11.9 versus 29.7 ± 10.8 min for non‐agitated children; p < 0.001). Factors positively associated with emergence delirium included younger age (p = 0.01, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.6) and moderate and severe anxiety prior to induction (p < 0.001, OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.3–13.0). Complications of emergence delirium included intravenous line removal (n = 1), and surgical site bleeding (n = 3).ConclusionChildren of younger age with greater preoperative anxiety are at increased risk of developing emergence delirium following general anesthesia with sevoflurane. The overall incidence of emergence delirium was 19%.     

Desflurane anesthesia after sevoflurane inhaled induction reduces severity of emergence agitation in children undergoing minor ear-nose-throat surgery compared with sevoflurane induction and maintenance

Emergence agitation may occur after general anesthesia with volatile anesthetics in children. We designed this study to examine the emergence behavior of children undergoing ear-nose-throat surgery after sevoflurane induction and desflurane maintenance versus both sevoflurane induction and maintenance using a recently published Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. In 38 premedicated children aged 12 mo to 7 yr mask induction with sevoflurane was performed and they were randomly assigned to receive either sevoflurane (n = 19) or desflurane (n = 19) for maintenance of general anesthesia. Time to tracheal extubation, modified Aldrete score, emergence behavior, recovery complications, and pain scores were assessed. The PAED scale showed a significant advantage for desflurane (6 [0-15] versus 12 [2-20], maximum total score of 20 for severe agitation). Time to extubation was significantly shorter with desflurane than with sevoflurane (5.4 +/- 1.4 versus 13.4 +/- 1.8 min). The modified Aldrete score on arrival in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was significantly lower in children receiving sevoflurane for maintenance. Time to discharge from PACU to normal ward and the incidence of adverse effects were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, the use of desflurane for maintenance of anesthesia after sevoflurane induction in children is associated with less severe emergence agitation and faster emergence times.     

Sevoflurane versus desflurane for early postoperative vomiting after general anesthesia in hospitalized adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Study objectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at assessing the effects of two commonly used anesthetics in general anesthesia (GA), sevoflurane and desflurane, on early postoperative vomiting (POV) in hospitalized adults.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).SettingEarly postoperative vomiting after GA.PatientsA total of 266 adult patients receiving inpatient surgeries under GA maintained with sevoflurane or desflurane.InterventionsWe searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect, and Embase for eligible RCTs comparing postoperative outcomes following sevoflurane- or desflurane-maintained anesthesia.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was early POV. Secondary outcomes included late POV, early and late postoperative nausea (PON), time to extubation, and emergence time.Main resultsEight trials were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of early POV (risk ratio [RR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–1.64, p = 0.91). No significant difference in early PON was observed (RR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77–1.56; p = 0.62). Nevertheless, the incidence of late POV and late PON were significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than that in the desflurane group (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.94, p = 0.03; RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.84, p = 0.01, respectively). The extubation time was longer in the sevoflurane group than in the desflurane group (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.56, 95% CI 0.14–0.97, p = 0.009). The emergence time of patients in the sevoflurane group was longer than that in those receiving desflurane (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.1–1.42, p = 0.02).ConclusionsDesflurane had the same effects on early POV and early PON as sevoflurane. However, the association between late POV and late PON with desflurane was stronger than that with sevoflurane if the effects of opioids were not considered. The desflurane group had shorter time to extubation and emergence time than the sevoflurane group. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020218988.     

Analgesic efficacy of PECS and serratus plane blocks after breast surgery: A systematic review,meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Study objectiveTo determine whether pectoral nerves (PECS) blocks provide effective postoperative analgesia when compared with no regional technique in patients undergoing breast surgery.DesignSystematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.SettingOperating room, postoperative recovery area and ward, up to 24 postoperative hours.PatientsPatients undergoing breast surgery under general anaesthesia with either PECS block or no regional technique.InterventionsWe searched five electronic databases for randomized controlled trials comparing PECS block with no block or sham injection.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was rest pain scores (analogue scale, 0–10) at 2 h, analysed according to surgery (mastectomy vs other breast surgery) and regional technique (PECS 2 vs other blocks), among others. Secondary outcomes included morphine equivalent consumption, and rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting at 24 h.Main resultsSixteen trials including 1026 patients were identified. Rest pain scores at 2 h were decreased in the PECS blocks group, with a mean (95%CI) difference of −1.5 (−2.0, −1.0); I2 = 93%; p < 0.001, with no differences between surgery (mastectomy, mean difference [95%CI]: −1.8 [−2.4, −1.2], I² = 91%, p < 0.001; other breast surgery, mean difference [95%CI]: −1.1 [−2.1, −0.1], I² = 94%, p = 0.03; p for subgroup difference = 0.25), and regional technique (PECS 2, mean differences [95%CI]: −1.6 [−2.3, −1.0], I² = 94%, p < 0.001; other blocks, mean differences [95%CI]: −1.3 [−2.4, −0.1], I² = 74%, p = 0.04; p for subgroup difference = 0.57). The rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting was reduced from 30.8% (95%CI: 25.7%, 36.3%) to 18.7% (95%CI, 14.4%, 23.5%; p = 0.01). Similarly, secondary outcomes were significantly improved in the PECS blocks group. The overall quality of evidence was moderate-to-high.ConclusionsThere is moderate-to-high level evidence that PECS blocks provide postoperative analgesia after breast surgery when compared with no regional technique and reduce rate of PONV. This might provide the most benefit to those at high-risk of postoperative pain.     

Effect of spinal versus general anesthesia on thirty-day outcomes following total hip arthroplasty: A matched-pair cohort analysis

Study objectiveIt has not yet been established whether total hip arthroplasty complications are associated with anesthetic technique (spinal versus general). This study assessed the effect of spinal versus general anesthesia on health care resource utilization and secondary endpoints following total hip arthroplasty.DesignPropensity-matched cohort analysis.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participating hospitals from 2015 to 2021.PatientsPatients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (n = 223,060).InterventionsNone.MeasurementsThe a priori study duration was 2015 to 2018 (n = 109,830). The primary endpoint was 30-day unplanned resource utilization, namely readmission and reoperation. Secondary endpoints included 30-day wound complications, systemic complications, bleeding events, and mortality. The impact of anesthetic technique was investigated with univariate analyses, multivariable analyses, and survival analyses.Main resultsThe 1:1 propensity-matched cohort included 96,880 total patients (48,440 in each anesthesia group) from 2015 to 2018. On univariate analysis, spinal anesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of unplanned resource utilization (3.1% [1486/48440] vs 3.7% [1770/48440]; odds ratio [OR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90]; P < .001), systemic complications (1.1% [520/48440] vs 1.5% [723/48440]; OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64 to 0.80]; P < .001), and bleeding events requiring transfusion (2.3% [1120/48440] vs 4.9% [2390/48440]; OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.49]; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, spinal anesthesia remained an independent predictor of unplanned resource utilization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90]; c = 0.646), systemic complications (AOR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64 to 0.81]; c = 0.676), and bleeding events (AOR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.49]; c = 0.686). Hospital length of stay was also shorter in the spinal anesthesia cohort (2.15 vs 2.24 days; mean difference, −0.09 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.07]; P < .001). Similar findings were observed in the cohort from 2019 to 2021.ConclusionsTotal hip arthroplasty patients receiving spinal anesthesia experience favorable outcomes compared to propensity-matched general anesthesia patients.     

Sevoflurane anaesthesia in children after induction of anaesthesia with midazolam and thiopental does not cause epileptiform EEG

Background. Sevoflurane is a methyl ether anaesthetic commonlyused for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia inchildren. Sevoflurane is a non-irritant and acts quickly soinduction is usually calm. However, inhalation induction withhigh concentrations of sevoflurane can cause convulsion-likemovements and seizure-like changes in the electroencephalogram(EEG). Little is known about the EEG during maintenance of anaesthesiawith sevoflurane, so we planned a prospective trial of sevofluranemaintenance after i.v. induction with benzodiazepine and barbiturate,which is another common induction technique in children. Methods. EEG recordings were made before premedication withmidazolam (0.1 mg kg^–1 i.v.), during induction ofanaesthesia with thiopental (5 mg kg^–1), and duringmaintenance with sevoflurane (2% end-tidal concentration inair/oxygen without nitrous oxide) in 30 generally healthy, 3-to 8-year-old children having adenoids removed. Noise-free EEGdata of good quality were successfully recorded from all 30children. Results. Two independent neurophysiologists did not detect epileptiformdischarges in any of the recordings. Conclusion. Premedication with midazolam, i.v. induction withthiopental and maintenance of anaesthesia with 2% sevofluranein air does not cause epileptiform EEG patterns in children. Br J Anaesth 2002; 89: 853–6     

术前口服咪达唑仑对患儿七氟醚麻醉苏醒期躁动的影响

目的评价术前口服咪达唑仑对患儿七氟醚麻醉苏醒期躁动的影响。方法选择择期七氟醚麻醉下行扁桃体/腺样体切除术的患儿60例,男34例,女26例,年龄2~7岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,将入选患儿随机分为低剂量咪达唑仑组(M1组)、高剂量咪达唑仑组(M2组)和对照组(C组),每组20例。麻醉前30min分别给予M1组和M2组患儿分别口服咪达唑仑0.5 mg/kg和0.75 mg/kg,口服10%葡萄糖混合液5ml。吸入8%七氟醚行麻醉诱导,术中吸入七氟醚及静脉泵注瑞芬太尼维持麻醉。记录患儿分离焦虑量表(PSAS)评分、麻醉苏醒谵妄量表(PAED)评分和FLACC疼痛评分,并记录拔除气管导管时间和滞留PACU时间。结果 C组患儿的分离焦虑发生率明显高于其他两组(P0.05)。三组苏醒期躁动发生率、最高PAED评分、FLACC疼痛评分以及拔除气管导管时间差异均无统计学意义。M2组滞留PACU时间明显长于其他两组(P0.05)。结论术前口服咪达唑仑0.5mg/kg或0.75mg/kg能有效减轻患儿术前分离焦虑,但不能减少七氟醚麻醉苏醒期躁动的发生,咪达唑仑0.75mg/kg会延长PACU滞留时间。     

CEREBRAL EFFECTS OF SEVOFLURANE IN THE DOG: COMPARISON WITH ISOFLURANE AND ENFLURANE

The cerebral effects of sevoflurane were compared in dogs withthose of enflurane and isoflurane. Initially, the minimum alveolarconcentrations (MAC) of sevoflurane and enflurane were determinedand the electroencephalo-graphic (EEG) responses to increasingdoses of sevoflurane (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 MAC) or enflurane (1.5and 2.0 MAC) in unparalysed animals were examined. Administrationof sevoflurane was not associated with seizure activity at anyconcentration either during normocapnia (Pa_CO2 5.3 kPa) or hypocapnia(Pa_CO2 2.7 kPa), even in the presence of intense auditory stimuli.All dogs anaesthetized with enflurane demonstrated sustainedEEG and motor evidence of seizure activity induced by auditorystimuli at concentrations of enflurane > 1 MAC, particularlyduring hypocapnia. In a separate group of dogs, the effectsof increasing concentrations of sevoflurane and isoflurane (0.5,1.5 and 2.15 MAC) were compared directly on arterial pressure,cardiac output and heart rate, cerebral blood flow and the cerebralmetabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO₂) using the venous outflow technique.Sevoflurane, in common with isoflurane, had minimal effectson cerebral blood flow at the concentrations studied, but significantlyreduced the CMRO₂ at end-tidal concentrations sufficient toproduce a burst suppression pattern on the EEG (approximately2.15 MAC). Both sevoflurane and isoflurane significantly decreasedarterial pressure in a dose-dependent manner, but neither drugsignificantly altered cardiac output.     

Effect of oral dextromethorphan versus oral ketamine on sevoflurane related emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy

BackgroundEmergence agitation is a popular phenomenon after sevoflurane anesthesia. Our aim was to study the efficacy of oral dextromethorphan compared to oral ketamine on sevoflurane related agitation.MethodsIn a prospective, randomized, double- blinded study 120, ASA I, aged 4–10 years old children undergoing adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into three groups to receive oral dextromethorphan 1 mg/kg (Group D, n = 39), oral ketamine 5 mg/kg (Group K, n = 39) or placebo(Group C, n = 38) as premedication 1 h before surgery. Standard general anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N₂O/O₂. The following were recorded by a blinded anesthetist; Child separation and cooperation at induction, duration of operation, duration of anesthesia, duration of extubation, duration of emergence, state of emergence on admission to PACU using emergence agitation scale, number of patients required postoperative fentanyl to control agitation, duration of discharge from PACU, vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and Spo₂) in PACU, and side effects (Nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and hallucination).ResultsThe agitated patients that required fentanyl treatment were statistically significant low in groups D and K compared to group C (p < 0.05). Child separation and child cooperation at induction from parents was successful in all children in group K with statistical significant difference compared to other groups (p < 0.05). There were increases in duration of anesthesia, extubation, and emergence in group K compared to other groups without increase in the duration of stay in PACU.ConclusionOral premedication with either dextromethorphan 1 mg/kg or ketamine 5 mg/kg were comparable in reducing significantly the incidence of postoperative sevoflurane related emergence agitation in comparison to placebo treated group without reported side effects in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.     

Electroencephalograms in children during isoflurane anesthesia

The electroencephalograms (EEG) of 55 children under isoflurane anesthesia were studied to elucidate any change in pattern with age. The children ranged from 1 month to 14 years of age were divided into six age groups. The standard minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) was determined in each group. Anesthesia was induced using the slow induction method, and EEG was recorded at isoflurane concentrations of 1.5 MAC in 100% oxygen, 1.0 MAC in 100% oxygen, and 1.0 MAC under administration of 66% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Ventilation was controlled mechanically (end-tidal CO₂ 35–40 mmHg). At 1.5 MAC, the incidences of burst suppression in the groups of 6 months to 6 years of age were significantly less than in groups older or younger than that age (P<0.05). Except for infants less than 6 months of age, the mean values of maximum amplitude at 1.0 MAC were two to three times of those in adults. Children 3–6 years of age showed the highest value of 427.0±83.5 μV. This paper was presented in part at the annual meeting of the Japan Society of Anesthesiology, Osaka, March, 1991.     

Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol is associated with a lower rate of postoperative delirium in comparison with sevoflurane anesthesia in elderly patients

Study objectivePostoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication of anesthesia. The incidence of POD in elderly patients ranges from 37% to 53%, and POD increases the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients. However, the effects of anesthetics on POD are not well known. The present study aimed to compare the incidence of POD resulting from propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia.DesignDouble-blind prospective study.SettingOperating room and postoperative recovery area.PatientsThirty patients in the sevoflurane anesthesia group and 29 in the propofol anesthesia group.MeasurementsStatistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 for Windows 7 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and Student t test.Main ResultsThe incidence of POD in the propofol anesthesia (6.9%) was significantly less than that observed in the sevoflurane anesthesia (26.7%; 038).ConclusionIn comparison with sevoflurane anesthesia, propofol anesthesia is associated with a lower incidence of POD in elderly patients.