Prophylactic use of midazolam or propofol at the end of surgery may reduce the incidence of emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia

Sevoflurane is associated with a high incidence of emergence agitation in children. Midazolam and propofol have been examined with the aim of reducing emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia. However the effect of both drugs on emergence agitation is still controversial. Therefore we designed this study to measure the effect of midazolam or propofol at the end of surgery on emergence agitation during the recovery period. One hundred and one children, aged one to 13 years, undergoing strabismus surgery were enrolled in this randomised double-blind study. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N2O/O2. Children were randomly assigned to receive midazolam 0.05 mg/kg (group M, n = 35), propofol 1 mg/kg (group P, n = 31) or saline (group S, n = 35). A four-point scale was used to evaluate recovery characteristics upon awakening and during the first hour after emergence from anaesthesia. The incidence of emergence agitation in group M was 42.9% (15/35), in group P 48.4% (15/31) and in group S 74.3% (26/35). The incidence of emergence agitation in groups M and P was significantly less than in group S. The emergence time was prolonged for patients in groups M and P compared to group S. There was no significant difference in the incidence of emergence agitation or in emergence times between the groups P and M. We conclude that propofol or midazolam administration before the end of surgery may be effective in reducing the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anaesthesia.     

Ketamine is effective in decreasing the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing dental repair under sevoflurane general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation or delirium is a known phenomenon that may occur in children undergoing general anesthesia with inhaled agents. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the addition of a small dose of ketamine at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia will result in a decrease in the incidence and severity of such phenomenon. METHODS: We performed a randomized double blind study involving 85 premedicated children 4-7 years old undergoing dental repair. Children were premedicated with acetaminophen and midazolam. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N2O/O2. Group K received ketamine 0.25 mg.kg (-1) and Group S received saline. We evaluated recovery characteristics upon awakening and during the first 30 min using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. RESULTS: Eighty of the 85 enrolled children completed the study. There were 42 children in Group I. Emergence agitation was diagnosed in seven children in the ketamine group (16.6%) and in 13 children in the placebo group (34.2%). There was no difference in time to meet recovery room discharge criteria between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the addition of ketamine 0.25 mg.kg(-1) can decrease the incidence of emergence agitation in children after sevoflurane general anesthesia.     

Quality of recovery in children: sevoflurane versus propofol

BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane, with its low pungency and low blood and tissue solubility, is an attractive anaesthetic in paediatric outpatient surgery. Propofol-anaesthesia is recognised for its rapid and clear-headed emergence. This study was designed to compare emergence and recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia for tonsillectomy in children. METHODS: Children aged 3-10 years, undergoing elective tonsillectomy, were randomly assigned to receive propofol (n=25, induction with 3 mg x kg(-1), maintenance with 100-250 microg x kg(-1) min(-1)) or sevoflurane anaesthesia (n=25, induction 7 vol.%, maintenance 2-3 vol.%). Tracheal intubation was performed with alfentanil 20 microg x kg(-1) and atracurium 0.5 mg x kg(-1). Ventilation was controlled to maintain normocapnia and all patients received N2O/O2 (60:40 vol.%) for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. At the end of surgery infiltration of the operative sites with bupivacaine 2 mg x kg(-1) was provided for postoperative analgesia. Emergence, recovery, discharge times, and incidence of side effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Time to extubation (14 vs 15 min), time to response to simple verbal command (21 vs 21 min) and time to discharge from the recovery room (45 vs 50 min) were similar in the sevoflurane and propofol groups, respectively. There was a significantly greater incidence of postoperative agitation in the sevoflurane group (46%) compared with the propofol group (9%) (P=0.008). This did not, however, delay discharge from the recovery room. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was not significantly different (8% vs 0%; P=0.49). CONCLUSION: In children, recovery from anaesthesia with sevoflurane results in a higher incidence of agitation compared with propofol.     

Effects of fentanyl on the incidence of emergence agitation in children receiving desflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In children, emergence agitation frequently complicates sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia. The effect of intravenous fentanyl 2.5 microg kg(-1) was examined on the incidence of emergence agitation in children who received desflurane or sevoflurane after midazolam premedication and intravenous thiopental induction. METHODS: One hundred and twenty children (2-7 yr) undergoing adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, or both, were studied. All children were premedicated orally with midazolam 0.5 mg kg(-1). After intravenous induction with thiopental and atracurium to facilitate endotracheal intubation, patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Patients in Groups 1 and 3 received physiological saline solution, whereas patients in Groups 2 and 4 received intravenous fentanyl 2.5 microg kg(-1) during induction. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in Groups 1 and 2 and with desflurane in Groups 3 and 4. After discontinuation of the volatile anaesthetic, the times to tracheal extubation and response to verbal stimuli (emergence time), and emergence behaviours were recorded. RESULTS: The time to tracheal extubation was significantly shorter in Groups 3 (5.2+/-1.7 min) and (6.4+/-2.1 min) than in Groups 1 (8.1+/-2.1 min) (P = 0.0001 and 0.006, respectively) and 2 (8.8+/-1.9 min) (P = 0.0001). The emergence time was significantly shorter in Group 3 (10.0+/-3.9 min) than in Groups 1 (13.8+/-4.9 min) (P = 0.017) and 2 (14.9+/-4.1 min) (P = 0.003). The incidence rate of severe agitation was 13% in Groups 1 and 3, and 7 and 10% in Groups 2 and 4, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After midazolam premedication and intravenous induction of anaesthesia with thiopental administration of intravenous fentanyl 2.5 microg kg(-1) did not provide any clinically significant benefit on emer gence agitation in children who receive sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia.     

Sevoflurane versus halothane: effect of oxycodone premedication on emergence behaviour in children

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have provided conflicting conclusions about whether the frequency of emergence agitation is increased in children following sevoflurane anaesthesia. The purpose of the study was to determine a frequency and duration of agitation with halothane and sevoflurane anaesthesia and whether oxycodone premedication affected the incidence of emergence agitation in children. METHODS: We measured and compared halothane and sevoflurane recovery in 130 patients using a 5-point scale measuring emergence behaviour every 10 min during the first 60 min of recovery or until discharge. RESULTS: We used this 5-point scale to assess the presence or absence of emergence agitation and found a frequency of emergence agitation of more than 40% in children who received halothane and sevoflurane anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone reduced the frequency of agitation in children who received halothane, but not in the children who received sevoflurane anaesthesia.     

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。     

Effect of propofol on emergence behavior in children after sevoflurane general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation (EA) is a postoperative behavior that may occur in children undergoing general anesthesia with inhaled agents. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of propofol administered at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia on the incidence and severity of EA in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Eighty-four children, 2-7 years old, undergoing MRI were enrolled in this randomized double-blind study. No sedative premedication was administered prior to anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in N(2)O/O(2). Group P received propofol 1 mg.kg(-1) and group S received saline. Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (PAEDs) was used to evaluate recovery characteristics upon awakening and during the first 30 min after emergence from anesthesia. Children with PAEDs >16 were considered agitated. EA was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Demographic data and other side effects were analyzed using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: Eighty-three children completed the study. There were 42 children in group P. EA was diagnosed in two children in the propofol group (4.8%) and in 11 children in the placebo group (26.8%, P < 0.05). Time to achieving postanesthesia care unit discharge criteria was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of propofol 1 mg.kg(-1) can significantly decrease the incidence of EA after sevoflurane general anesthesia in children undergoing nonpainful procedures.     

Dexmedetomidine decreases emergence agitation in pediatric patients after sevoflurane anesthesia without surgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether prophylactic use of 1 microg x kg(-1) dexmedetomidine affected the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) after sevoflurane based anesthesia without surgery in children. METHODS: In a double-blinded trial, 42 children (ASA I-II,18 months to 10 years) undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 1 microg x kg(-1) iv or placebo after induction of anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored. Anesthesia was induced in all patients, irrespective of group, with 8% sevoflurane in 50-50% O2/N2O and maintained with 1.5% sevoflurane in 50/50% O2/N2O. Agitation parameters were assessed with a 5-point scale and measured every 5 min. Delirium was defined as agitation score of > or =4 for > or =5 min. Anesthesia and procedure times and per- and postoperative side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The HR, MAP, and SpO2, spontaneous arm or leg motion times and purposeful movement times showed no significant differences between the two groups. The time of removing the LMA, and the time of eye opening with verbal stimuli was shorter in group P than the group D (P = 0.007 and P = 0.01). The time of discharge to recovery room and the time of discharge from hospital were similar in the two groups. The mean agitation scores in the dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower than the placebo group except at 30 min (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.013 and P = 0.001). The incidence of emergence agitation was 47.6% in group P, and 4.8% in group D (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: We concluded that a 1 microg x kg(-1) dose of i.v. dexmedetomidine reduces EA after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing MRI.     

The effect of premedication with OTFC, with or without ondansetron, on postoperative agitation, and nausea and vomiting in pediatric ambulatory patients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in the pediatric ambulatory surgical population, the efficacy of: (i) oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC), when given preoperatively, to reduce postoperative excitement associated with sevoflurane, and (ii) intravenous ondansetron to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with OTFC. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study evaluated the efficacy of OTFC [normal dose (ND) = 10-15 microg x kg(-1) or low dose = 100 microg] compared with placebo in the prevention of postoperative agitation; and the efficacy of ondansetron (0.1 mg x kg(-1) to 4 mg) compared with placebo to reduce PONV associated with OTFC. RESULTS: There were 125 patients evaluated (2-10 years old, ASA class I or II and weight 10-40 kg). Preoperatively OTFC was associated with an increased likelihood of cooperation at baseline (P = 0.018). Postoperatively there was a higher incidence of vomiting in children that received OTFC. The anxiety/agitation of patients entering the PACU was significantly less in children who received OTFC ND (P < 0.001). This effect decreased over time. Patients with respiratory adverse events related to the study drug were significantly higher in groups who received OTFC, however, they were not of clinical significance. OTFC was associated with delays in time for eligibility to PACU discharge (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Even though OTFC reduced early postoperative agitation the increase in side effects, namely PONV and prolonged recovery times, limits its clinical usefulness. The study demonstrates the tradeoffs between anxiety and agitation vs vomiting, respiratory events and prolonged recovery times. Ambulatory pediatric patients undergoing procedures in which opioids would be routinely used might benefit the most from OTFC combined with ondansetron as part of the anesthetic technique.     

Intravenous Ondansetron in Established Postoperative Emesis in Children

Background: In pediatric postsurgical patients, postoperative vomiting is a common occurrence that can delay recovery and result in unplanned hospital admissions after outpatient surgery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in the control of established postoperative emesis in outpatients aged 2-12 yr.

Methods: Screened for the study were 2,720 ASA physical status 1-3 children undergoing outpatient surgery during general anesthesia, which included nitrous oxide. Children experiencing two emetic episodes within 2 h of discontinuation of nitrous oxide were given intravenous ondansetron (n = 192; 0.1 mg/kg for children weighing less or equal to 40 kg; 4 mg for children weighing > 40 kg) or placebo (n = 183).

Results: The proportion of children with no emetic episodes and no use of rescue medication was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the ondansetron group compared with placebo for both 2- and 24-h periods after study drug administration (78% of the ondansetron group and 34% of the placebo group for 2 h; 53% of the ondansetron group and 17% of the placebo group for 24 h). Among patients with at least one emetic episode or with rescue medication use, the median time to onset of emesis or rescue was 127 min in the ondansetron group compared with 58 min in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The median time from study drug administration until discharge was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in the ondansetron group (153 min, range 44-593 min) compared with the placebo group (173 min, range 82-622 min). The incidence of potentially drug-related adverse events was similar in the ondansetron (3% of patients) and the placebo (4% of patients) groups.     

Post-induction alfentanil reduces sevoflurane-associated emergence agitation in children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy

Background: Emergence agitation is a common problem in paediatric anaesthesia, especially after volatile induction and maintenance anaesthesia (VIMA) with sevoflurane. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of alfentanil to prevent emergence agitation without delayed recovery after VIMA with sevoflurane in children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy.
Methods: One hundred and five children, aged 3–10 years, were randomly allocated to receive normal saline (control group), alfentanil 10 μg/kg (A10) or 20 μg/kg (A20) 1 min after loss of the eyelash reflex. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane. Time to tracheal extubation, recovery time, Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale and emergence behaviour were assessed.
Results: The incidence of severe agitation was significantly lower in the A10 and A20 groups compared with those in the control group (11/32 and 12/34 vs. 24/34, respectively) ( P =0.007, 0.006, respectively). PAED scales were significantly different between the three groups ( P =0.008), and lower in the A10 and A20 groups than that in the control group ( P =0.044, 0.013, respectively). However, the incidence of severe agitation and PAED scale was not different between the A10 and the A20 groups. Time to tracheal extubation and recovery time were similar in all three groups.
Conclusion: The administration of alfentanil 10 μg/kg after induction of anaesthesia for children undergoing an adenotonsillectomy under VIMA reduced the incidence of emergence agitation without delaying the recovery time or causing significant hypotension.     

右美托咪定静脉泵注和鼻内给药两种方式对小儿口腔日间手术术后躁动的影响

目的比较右美托咪定静脉泵注和鼻内给药两种方法对七氟烷吸入麻醉下小儿口腔日间手术术后躁动的影响。方法随机纳入135例拟行口腔日间手术的患儿,年龄1~6岁,分为3组,每组45例,分别予麻醉诱导后右美托咪定1μg/kg静脉泵注(VD组)、麻醉诱导前15 min右美托咪定1μg/kg鼻内给药(ND组)或等量生理盐水对照(C组)。所有患儿采用七氟烷全凭吸入麻醉。术后每5 min进行一次躁动评分(PEDA)及疼痛评分(FLACC);记录麻醉诱导前(T0)、麻醉诱导后(T1)、手术开始时(T2)、手术结束时(T3)及苏醒时(T4)的HR、BP;记录苏醒时间、PACU停留时间及恶心呕吐、呼吸抑制、心动过缓等不良反应发生情况。结果 VD组和ND组术后躁动发生率明显低于C组(P0.01);T2和T3时VD组心率明显低于ND组和C组(P0.01),T3时ND组心率低于C组(P0.05);VD组和ND组苏醒时间长于C组(P0.01);3组患儿PACU停留时间没有差异;3组患儿最高疼痛评分没有差异。VD组有4例患儿出现心动过缓需使用阿托品治疗。3组患儿均未发生其他严重不良反应。结论右美托咪定静脉泵注和鼻内给药都能明显降低七氟烷麻醉后躁动的发生,右美托咪定鼻内给药对心率影响更小。     

The effect of different drugs on sevoflurane emergence agitation in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias repair surgery

BackgroundVarious methods are used to decrease the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) in children following general anaesthesia with sevoflurane.ObjectiveThe present study aims to compare the effect of intravenous injection of small dose of propofol, fentanyl or ketamine at the end of surgery, just before the discontinuation of sevoflurane on the incidence and severity of sevoflurane emergence agitation in children undergoing hypospadias repair operations.Patients and methodsEighty patients undergoing elective hypospadias repair under sevoflurane general anaesthesia with caudal block were randomly divided into four groups (20 patients each); group P received intravenous 1 mg/kg propofol, group K received intravenous 0.25 mg/kg ketamine, group F received intravenous 1 μg/kg fentanyl, and group S received intravenous saline as control group. All those injections were given just before the discontinuation of sevoflurane. The emergence agitation was evaluated by emergence agitation scale from awakening every 5 min for 30 min. Complications like laryngospasm, desaturation, cough, and vomiting were recorded. Awakening time and PACU duration were also recorded.ResultsThe incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in groups P and F (p < 0.05). The time for awakening was significantly prolonged in groups P, K and F (p < 0.05), while PACU duration was significantly prolonged in group F (p < 0.05). No significant complications occurred except a significantly higher incidence of vomiting in group F.ConclusionThe use of propofol or fentanyl just before the discontinuation of sevoflurane reduces the incidence of emergence agitation in children, on the other hand fentanyl was accompanied with a significantly longer PACU duration and higher incidence of vomiting.     

Premedication with midazolam delays recovery after ambulatory sevoflurane anesthesia in children.

We studied the effect of oral premedication with midazolam on the recovery characteristics of sevoflurane anesthesia in small children. In a randomized, double-blinded study, 60 children (1-3 yr, ASA physical status I or II) undergoing ambulatory adenoidectomy received either midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (Group M) or placebo (Group P) PO approximately 30 min before the induction of anesthesia. All children received atropine 0.01 mg/kg IV and alfentanil 10 microg/kg IV before the induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane up to 8 vol% inspired concentration in N2O 67% in O2. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with mivacurium 0.2 mg/kg. Anesthesia was continued with sevoflurane adjusted to maintain hemodynamic stability. In the postanesthesia care unit, predetermined recovery end points (emergence, recovery, discharge) were recorded. A pain/ discomfort scale was used to determine the quality of recovery. A postoperative questionnaire was used to evaluate the well-being of the patient at home 24 h after surgery. Emergence (spontaneous eye opening), recovery (full points on the modified Aldrete scale), and discharge were achieved later in Group M than in Group P (15+/-6 vs. 11+/-3 min [P = 0.002], 25+/-17 vs. 16+/-6 min [P = 0.01], and 80+/-23 vs. 70+/-23 min [P = 0.03]). Side effects, postanesthetic excitement, and analgesic treatment did not differ significantly between groups. At home, more children in Group P (30%) experienced disturbed sleep during the night compared with those in Group M (4%) (P = 0.007). IMPLICATIONS: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, premedication with midazolam 0.5 mg/kg PO delayed recovery in children 1-3 yr of age after brief (<30 min) sevoflurane anesthesia. Except for more peaceful sleep at home, premedication did not affect the quality of recovery.     

Single-dose dexmedetomidine reduces agitation and provides smooth extubation after pediatric adenotonsillectomy

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine has shown sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects after intravenous (IV) administration. Sevoflurane is associated with a high incidence of emergence agitation in preschool children. In this placebo-controlled study, we examined the effect of single dose dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: In a double-blinded trial, 60 children (age 3-7 years) were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 0.5 microg.kg(-1) IV or placebo, 5 min before the end of surgery. All patients received a standardized anesthetic regimen. For induction and maintenance of anesthesia we used sevoflurane. After surgery, the incidence and severity of agitation was measured 2 h postoperatively. The incidence of untoward airway events after extubation, such as breath holding, severe coughing, or straining were recorded. After surgery, the children's behavior and pain were assessed with a 5-point scale. RESULTS: The agitation and pain scores in the dexmedetomidine group were better than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). The incidence of severe agitation (a score of 4 or more), and severe pain (a score of 3 or more) were significantly less in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). The number of severe coughs per patient in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Postoperative vomiting was similar in both groups. Times to emergence and extubation were significantly longer in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 0.5 microg.kg(-1) dexmedetomidine reduces agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.     

The effect of intranasal fentanyl on the emergence characteristics after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing surgery for bilateral myringotomy tube placement

Children undergoing placement of bilateral myringotomy tubes (BMT) often exhibit pain-related behavior (agitation) in the postanesthesia care unit. We compared the emergence and recovery profiles of pediatric patients who received sevoflurane with or without supplementary intranasal fentanyl for BMT surgery. By using a prospective, double-blinded design, 150 children 6 mo to 5 yr of age, scheduled for routine BMT surgery, were anesthetized with sevoflurane (2%-3%) in a 60% N(2)O/O(2) gas mixture. Patients were randomized to receive equal volumes of intranasal saline (Control), 1 microg/kg fentanyl or 2 microg/kg fentanyl. A blinded observer evaluated each patient using a previously described 4-point agitation scale and the Steward recovery scale. Response to parental presence was observed after a score of six (full recovery) was achieved on the Steward recovery scale. There were no significant differences among the three groups regarding age, weight, surgeon, duration of anesthesia, or ear condition. Recovery times and emergence characteristic scores were not statistically different. Agitation scores were significantly reduced in the 2-microg/kg Fentanyl group as compared with the Control group (P = 0.012). Fentanyl 2 microg/kg is recommended to reduce the incidence of agitation seen in these patients. IMPLICATIONS: We examined the use of nasally administered fentanyl for the relief of agitation or discomfort after placement of bilateral myringotomy tubes in 150 children ages 6 mo to 5 yr using a prospective, double-blinded design. Fentanyl 2 microg/kg was found to reduce the incidence of agitation in these patients.     

Rapid emergence does not explain agitation following sevoflurane anaesthesia in infants and children: a comparison with propofol

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation in children is frequently associated with the use of the new highly insoluble volatile anaesthetics. Rapid emergence has been cited as one of the possible causes. Propofol also permits rapid emergence from general anaesthesia but is not associated with agitation. METHODS: The emergence characteristics of children receiving sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia were examined. After induction with sevoflurane, 53 children, aged 2-36 months, who were undergoing ambulatory surgery, were randomized to receive maintenance anaesthesia with either sevoflurane or propofol. Introperative analgesia with either 2 micro g x kg-1 of intravenous fentanyl or a caudal block with 0.25% bupivacaine was supplied according to surgical procedure. An observer blinded to anaesthetic technique recorded the time to achieve extubation and recovery and assessed emergence behaviour. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon scores, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the time to extubation and recovery were similar between the two study groups, but that emergence agitation was significantly higher in the sevoflurane group compared with the propofol group. No relationship between analgesic technique and agitation scores was found. CONCLUSIONS: Although both sevoflurane and propofol allow for rapid emergence from general anaesthesia, only sevoflurane is associated with a high incidence of emergence agitation in infants and young children. Rapid emergence does not fully explain this phenomena.     

Midazolam premedication delays recovery from propofol-induced sevoflurane anesthesia in children 1–3 yr

PURPOSE: To study the effect of midazolam premedication on the recovery characteristics of sevoflurane anesthesia induced with propofol in pediatric outpatients. METHODS: Sixty children, one to three years, presenting for ambulatory adenoidectomy were randomly assigned , in a double-blind fashion, to receive either 0.5 mg x kg(-1) midazolam (Group M) or placebo (Group P) p.o. 30 min before anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with 10 microg x kg(-1) atropine, 10 microg x kg(-1) alfentanil, and 3-4 mg x kg(-1) propofol i.v.. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with 0.2 mg x kg(-1) mivacurium. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide/oxygen (FiO2 0.3) and sevoflurane with controlled ventilation. Recovery characteristics were compared using the modified Aldrete scoring system, the Pain/Discomfort scale and measuring specific recovery end-points (emergence, full Aldrete score, discharge). A postoperative questionnaire was used to evaluate the children's well-being at home until 24 hr after discharge. RESULTS: Emergence from anesthesia (22 +/- 9 vs 16 +/- 6 min (mean +/- SD), P = 0.005) and achieving full Aldrete scores (30 +/- 11 vs 24 +/- 16 min, P = 0.006) were delayed in patients receiving midazolam. Children in the placebo group were given postoperative analgesia sooner than those in the midazolam group (18 +/- 11 vs 23 +/- 8 min, P = 0.009). More children premedicated with midazolam suffered from arousal distress (20% vs 3%, P = 0.04) and scored higher on the Pain/Discomfort scale (P = 0.004) at 20 min after arrival in the recovery room. Discharge was not affected by premedication and well-being at home was similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral premedication with midazolam delays early recovery but not discharge after ambulatory sevoflurane anesthesia induced with propofol in children one to three years. Midazolam did not improve the quality of recovery.     

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.     

The prevention of emergence agitation with tropisetron or clonidine after sevoflurane anesthesia in small children undergoing adenoidectomy

Postoperative agitation is a common problem after sevoflurane anesthesia in children. In the present study, we evaluated if tropisetron or clonidine could reduce the incidence of postoperative agitation after day case adenoidectomy in small children. We included 75 unpremedicated children aged 1-7 yr who were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, tropisetron (0.1 mg/kg) or clonidine (1.5 microg/kg) after anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane. Patients also received alfentanil (20 microg/kg) and diclofenac (1 mg/kg). Postoperative pain was treated with IV oxycodone (0.05 mg/kg). Time to achieve discharge criteria was recorded. Modified pain/discomfort scale was used assess the postoperative behavior. The incidence of postoperative agitation was significantly less (32%, 8/25 patients) in the tropisetron group compared with placebo (62%, 16/26 patients), P < 0.05). Clonidine could not prevent agitation (incidence 54%, 13/24). No adverse effects were noted during the study. Discharge times were similar between the groups (between 80 and 99 min on average). In conclusion, tropisetron 0.1 mg/kg significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia. Clonidine 1.5 microg/kg did not differ from placebo with respect to postoperative agitation.