The effect of lidocaine on remifentanil-induced cough

Low-Dose Alfentanil Inhibits Sufentanil-Induced Cough During Anesthesia Induction: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Background

Cough is one of the most common complications following intravenous administration of sufentanil during anesthesia induction. The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of alfentanil, afentanyl derivative with short onset time and short duration, in reducing sufentanil-induced cough.

Patients and methods

Eighty patients that scheduled for thyroid surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into the alfentanil group and normal saline group, with 40 cases per group. Patients in the alfentanil group received intravenous administration of 2 μg/kg alfentanil prior to sufentanil injection during general anesthesia induction, while the same dose of normal saline was administered in the normal saline group. The outcomes measures included the incidence and severity of cough and common side effects of opioids following the administration of sufentanil during the induction of general anesthesia, intraoperative hemodynamics parameters and major adverse events during anesthesia recovery period.

Results

The incidence of cough within one minute after the injection of sufentanil during anesthesia induction was 40% in the normal saline group, and the pretreatment of alfentanil significantly reduced the incidence of sufentanil-induced cough to 5% (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, the patients in the alfentanil group had decreased severity of sufentanil-induced cough compared with the normal saline group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the incidences of common side effects of opioids (dizziness, nausea and vomiting, chest tightness and respiratory depression) within one minute after sufentanil injection were found (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, extubation time, or the incidences of emergence agitation, respiratory depression, delayed recovery from anesthesia and postoperative nausea and vomiting during Postanesthesia Care Unit stay (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Pretreatment with low-dose alfentanil (2 μg/kg) effectively and safely reduced both the incidence and severity of sufentanil-induced cough during anesthesia induction.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR2300069286).

Efficacy of dezocine on preventing opioid-induced cough during general anaesthesia induction: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the effects of dezocine (DZC) on the occurrence rate and severity of opioid-induced cough (OIC).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science as well as Chinese BioMedical Literature & Retrieval System, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP Data were searched from 1978 to 31 December 2020.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DZC with placebo on the occurrence rate and severity of OIC.

DATA ANALYSIS

All data were analysed by using RevMan V.5.3. Each outcome was tested for heterogeneity, and randomised-effects or fixed-effects model was used in the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 33 RCTs including 4442 patients, and 2521 patients were allocated into the DZC group and 1921 into the control group. Fentanyl was administrated in 1880 patients and sufentanil in 2562 patients during the induction of general anaesthesia. The meta-analysis demonstrated that DZC significantly reduced the occurrence rate of OIC induced by either fentanyl (8.8% vs 49.7%, OR=0.07, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12, p<0.00001) or sufentanil (5.0% vs 41.5%, OR=0.07, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12, p<0.00001). The meta-analysis also indicated that the occurrence rate of mild, moderate and severe OIC in the DZC group was remarkably lower than that of the control group (mild: 3.6% vs 13.6%, OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.25, p<0.00001; moderate: 2.0% vs 13.6%, OR=0.12, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.18, p<0.00001; severe: 1.0% vs 13.9%, OR=0.08, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.12, p<0.00001). Additionally, the current meta-analysis indicated that DZC pretreatment was not associated with increased occurrence rate of adverse effects (7.0% vs 4.2%, OR=2.34, 95% CI 0.60 to 9.14, p=0.22) except for dizziness (11.8% vs 0%, OR=8.06, 95% CI 1.40 to 46.35, p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that DZC significantly inhibited OIC and may be used to manage OIC. More high-quality RCTs are needed to complement the safety of DZC.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019141255.

Comparison of Five Prophylactically Intravenous Drugs in Preventing Opioid-Induced Cough: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Due to the absence of direct comparisons of different therapeutic drugs in preventing opioid-induced cough (OIC) during the induction of general anesthesia, clinicians often faced difficulties in choosing the optimal drug for these patients. Hence, this network meta-analysis was conducted to solve this problem.

Methods: Online databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, were searched comprehensively to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), up to March 15th, 2021. Within a Bayesian framework, network meta-analysis was performed by the “gemtc” version 0.8.2 package of R-3.4.0 software, and a pooled risk ratio (RR) associated with 95% credible interval (CrI) was calculated.

Results: A total of 20 RCTs were finally enrolled, and the overall heterogeneity for this study was low to moderate. Traditional pair-wise meta-analysis results indicated that all of the five drugs, namely, lidocaine, ketamine, dezocine, butorphanol, and dexmedetomidine could prevent OIC for four clinical outcomes, compared with the placebo (all p-values < 0.05). Moreover, dezocine had the best effect, compared with that of the other drugs (all p-values < 0.05). Network meta-analysis results suggested that the top three rank probabilities for four clinical outcomes from best to worst were dezocine, butorphanol, and ketamine based on individual/cumulative rank plots and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities. The node-splitting method indicated the consistency of the direct and indirect evidence.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that all of these five drugs could prevent OIC compared with the placebo. Moreover, the top three rank probabilities for four clinical outcomes from best to worst were dezocine, butorphanol, and ketamine. Our results were anticipated to provide references for guiding clinical research, and further high-quality RCTs were required to verify our findings.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021243358].

-Effects of Local Anesthetics on Smooth Muscle Tissue in Rat Trachea: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the muscle responses of rat trachea to LA drugs, such as lidocaine and prilocaine, in terms of airway spasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 16 male rats were used. After ketamine anesthesia, the tracheal ring of each rat was removed and placed in the organ bath in the Krebs solution. The rat tracheal veins were randomly divided into two groups based on the LA applied at the basal tonus level: group 1 (n=8), lidocaine; group 2 (n=8), prilocaine. Second, the baths were washed. Supramaximal contraction was obtained by applying acetylcholine to the tracheal rings (n=16) at a basal tonus level. The rat tracheas with supramaximal contraction were randomly divided into two groups: group 3 (n=8), lidocaine; group 4 (n=8), prilocaine. The contraction responses of each group were recorded and statistically compared.

RESULTS

Lidocaine constituted a significant relaxation response in the tracheal tissue in both basal tonus and supramaximal tonus levels. Moreover, it was observed that the relaxation of lidocaine was higher in the supramaximal contraction than in the basal tonus tension level. However, for prilocaine, no significant change was observed in both tonus levels.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that lidocaine as a LA drug should be preferred as the first choice in patients with respiratory risk, and that its use over prilocaine should be preferred, if supported by advanced clinical studies.

Dezocine prevents sufentanil-induced cough during general anesthesia induction: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background

Sufentanil is one of the opioids currently used to induce general anesthesia, and cough is one of the most common complications. Many drugs have been used to prevent sufentanil-induced cough (SIC), and dezocine is one of them. Dezocine is an analgesic, acting as partial antagonist of κ-receptors and agonist of μ-receptors. The purpose of our meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of dezocine on SIC.

Methods

We searched multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (CNKI) to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis focused on the incidence and severity of SIC after dezocine intervention, as well as adverse effects. This meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO with reference number ID: CRD 42020144943.

Results

Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified, including 890 patients. Each study was a comparison of dezocine with an equal volume of 0.9% saline. When the injection dose of dezocine was 0.1 mg/kg, the incidence (pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.03, [95% CI: 0.02 to 0.07], P < 0.00001, I² = 0%) and severity (mild: RR = 0.07, [95% CI: 0.03 to 0.18], P < 0.00001, I² = 0%; moderate: RR = 0.05, [95% CI: 0.02 to 0.16], P < 0.00001, I² = 0%; severe: RR = 0.04, [95% CI: 0.01 to 0.16], P < 0.00001, I² = 0%) of SIC were significantly decreased. There were no statistically significant differences in vital signs between the two groups based on the results of the pooled analysis.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that dezocine significantly reduced the incidence and severity of SIC in the induction of general anesthesia, but had no significant effect on vital signs. More high-quality RCTs are needed to complement existing conclusions.

Is dezocine effective and safe in preventing opioids-induced cough during general anaesthesia induction? A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cough is often observed when administrating a bolus of opioids. Opioid-induced cough (OIC) is mostly transient, benign and self-limiting, but could be associated with adverse effects. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used to manage OIC with controversial efficacy and safety. Recent studies suggested that, pretreatment of intravenous dezocine (DZC) could completely suppress OIC during anaesthesia induction. To address this knowledge lack, we will perform a systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DZC on OIC and possible complications. We provide here a protocol that will outline the methods and analyses planned for the systematic review.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science as well as Chinese BioMedical Literature & Retrieval System (SinoMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data and VIP Data will be searched from 1978 to 31 December 2019 to identify all randomised controlled trials comparing DZC with placebo on the incidence and severity of OIC. Primary outcomes of interest include the incidence and severity of OIC. Secondary outcomes of interest include possible complications or adverse effects of DZC. Two authors will independently extract relevant variables and outcome data. For continuous variables, treatment effects will be calculated as weighted mean difference and 95% CI. For dichotomous data, treatment effects will be calculated as OR and 95% CI. Each outcome will be tested for heterogeneity, and randomised-effects or fixed-effects model will be used in the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses will be done by examining the influence of statistical model and individual trial(s) on estimated treatment effects. Publication bias will be explored through visual inspection of funnel plots of the outcomes. Statistical significance will be defined as p<0.05.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is a protocol of meta-analysis of previously published literatures, ethical approval was not necessary according to the Ethical Committee of Fuwai Hospital. The study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated via research presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019141255.

Hemodynamic parameters and reproductive outcome after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fresh embryo transfer in patients undergoing oocyte retrieval with general anesthesia using fentanyl, remifentanil or alfentanil - A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Anesthesia for assisted reproductive technology is very important to provide less stressful and painful environment for patients, with minimal side effects on oocytes. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate hemodynamic parameters, recovery time and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome among patients underwent anesthesia with fentanyl, remifentanil or alfentanil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This randomized double-blinded clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing anesthesia for transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR). Patients were randomly allocated to alfentanil (A; 15 μg/kg), fentanyl (F; 1.5 μg/kg) or remifentanil (R; 1.5 μg/kg) groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty patients were assessed for eligibility and randomized for transvaginal oocyte retrieval following general anesthesia and 105 were lost to follow up. No statistically significant differences were noted among groups regarding basic characteristics. Although, time to respond to verbal command was significantly different among groups (A: 1.99 ± 1.64, F: 2.56 ± 1.72, R: 1.78 ± 1.34, P = 0.014). There were no significant differences among groups with respect to the first and second postoperative pain intensity, patient satisfaction, pre-induction and post-induction systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Terminal systolic (A: 101.61 ± 9.15, F: 105.29 ± 12.61, R: 102 ± 12.91, P = 0.01) and diastolic (A: 59.97 ± 9, F: 65.63 ± 9.13, R: 63.69 ± 11.01, P = 0.003) BP was significantly different among groups. The fertilization rate was significantly different among groups (A: 51.6%, F: 54.4%, R: 62.2%, P = 0.018). Implantation rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate was similar among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of present study demonstrated that all three opioids have the same efficiency, in regards to patient satisfaction and pregnancy outcome. However, Anesthesia with alfentanil compared with fentanyl and remifentanil, seems to be inferior for TUGOR due to higher effect on fertilization rate and less hemodynamic stability.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT201410258677N4.

Dose selection of central or peripheral administration of sufentanil affect opioid induced cough?: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Opioid-induced cough (OIC) is one of the most common complications of opioids during anesthesia induction. This study was designed to assess the incidence of OIC mediated by different intravenous route.

METHODS

A total of 102(ASA I-II) scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups: central vein group (group CV, n = 51) and peripheral vein group (group PV, n = 51). The incidence, onset time and severity of OIC were evaluated within 1 min just after sufentanil injection during induction. Meanwhile, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were also recorded to assess the hemodynamic changes.

RESULTS

The incidence of OIC was 10/51 (20.4%) in group CV and 16/51 (32%) in group PV, patients received central venous administration of sufentanil experienced less OIC compared with those injected by peripheral venous route (P < 0.05), as well as a significantly lower incidence of severe OIC (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the onset of OIC and hemodynamic data were comparable between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that sufentanil administration by central venous route reduces the incidence and severity of OIC, but without significant changes in hemodynamic status.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR-IOR-15006075 . Registered 28 February 2015.

Different interventions in preventing opioid-induced cough: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cough is one of the most common complications of opioids. Many studies have evaluated the effect of various drugs in preventing opioid-induced cough (OIC). However, there is existing controversy about those reports. The present study was performed to assess the efficacy of different interventions on OIC.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of different drugs in the prevention of OIC. Opioids included fentanyl, sufentanil, and remifentanil. We mainly investigated the incidence and severity of OIC after different interventions.

RESULTS

Thirty-four trials including 9906 patients were analyzed in this study. Twenty different drugs were reported, and 10 drugs were indentified in more than 2 articles. These drugs, including lidocaine, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, priming of fentanyl, propofol, dezocine, dexamethasone, dextromethorphan, and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), showed a significant efficacy compared with controls. There were insufficient numbers of trials for salbutamol, clonidine, tramadol, pentazocine, rocuronium, midazolam, atropine, terbutaline, sodium chromoglycate, beclomethasone, and ephedrine. From these data, we found that salbutamol, tramadol, midazolam, and atropine were ineffective.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that the prophylactic administration of lidocaine, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, priming of fentanyl, propofol, and dezocine was effective in preventing OIC.

The effect of injection speed on remifentanil-induced cough in children

BACKGROUND

Remifentanil sometimes elicits cough during induction of anesthesia, as with the use of other fentanyl congeners. We designed this study to investigate the incidence of remifentanil-induced cough (RIC) in children and to evaluate the effect of injection speed on RIC.

METHODS

One hundred twenty ASA physical status I-II patients, aged 3-12 yr, undergoing general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Patients in Group R30 received remifentanil 1.5 µg/kg at a constant rate over 30 s. Patients in Group R45 received remifentanil 1.5 µg/kg over 45 s, and patients in Group R60 received remifentanil 1.5 µg/kg over 60 s, respectively. Episodes of cough were recorded and graded as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5 or more). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and SpO2 were recorded on arrival in the operating room (baseline) and 1 min after remifentanil infusion.

RESULTS

The incidence of RIC was 33.3% in Group R30 (13 of 39 patients), 17.9% in Group R45 (7 of 39 patients), and 5.0% in Group R60 (2 of 40 patients). Patients in Group R60 had a significantly lower incidence of RIC than those in Group R30 (P = 0.001). The MAP, HR, and SpO2 values were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

When intravenous remifentanil 1.5 µg/kg was administered in pediatric patients, the incidence of RIC decreased from 33 to 5% by increasing the injection time from 30 to 60 s. Remifentanil should be administered slowly over 60 s in children to suppress cough during anesthesia induction.

Propofol and remifentanil for rapid sequence intubation in a pediatric patient at risk for aspiration with elevated intracranial pressure

Aspiration is a significant cause of anesthetic morbidity, occurring most commonly during the induction of anesthesia. For patients with a high likelihood of aspiration, rapid sequence intubation (RSI) techniques may minimize this risk by reducing the time between the loss of protective airway reflexes and the placement of a cuffed endotracheal tube. Although RSI frequently involves the administration of a neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA) such as succinylcholine or rocuronium, there are times when the administration of an NMBA is contraindicated or undesirable. We present an 11-year-old boy who presented with vomiting, papilledema, and a history concerning for an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder. Deep sedation or anesthesia was required during an emergent lumbar puncture to evaluate his symptoms. Rapid sequence intubation was successfully performed with propofol and remifentanil without the use of an NMBA. We highlight the anesthetic considerations in such a clinical scenario and review the literature regarding the combination of remifentanil and propofol for RSI.

The impact of prophylactic intravenous lidocaine on opioid-induced cough: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Opioids are commonly used for general anesthesia, but reflex cough can occur after an intravenous injection. We have performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic lidocaine administered intravenously (IV) on opioid-induced cough (OIC) during induction in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

METHODS

We searched three bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify studies meeting a priori inclusion criteria and also conducted a secondary reference review. The information used to calculate the relationship between lidocaine prophylaxis and the risk and severity of OIC was extracted by two principal investigators, respectively.

RESULTS

Six RCTs with a total of 1,740 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, prophylactic lidocaine administered IV reduced both the risk of OIC [pooled risk ratio (RR) 0.471; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.355-0.625; P = 0.074; heterogeneity test, I (2) = 50.3 %] and its severity (weighed mean difference -0.316; 95 % CI -0.480 to -0.151; P = 0.038; heterogeneity test, I (2) = 60.5 %). Sub-group analysis indicated a significant reduction in the incidence of both fentanyl-induced cough (FIC) and remifentanil-induced cough (RIC), but it appeared that lidocaine only alleviated the severity of FIC. Further sub-group analysis indicated that the lowest effect dose of lidocaine for preventing the prevalence of OIC was 0.5 mg/kg. No severe adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis establishes the effectiveness of prophylactic lidocaine administered IV for the prevention of OIC during induction. The lowest effective dose of lidocaine on the risk of OIC appeared to be 0.5 mg/kg.

A target-controlled infusion regimen for reducing remifentanil-induced coughs

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil through stepwise increases in the effect-site concentration (C(eff)) in preventing coughs.

METHODS

In a preliminary study, we randomly selected 140 patients to receive remifentanil through two-step increases in C(eff) (1.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R(1-4); 2.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R(2-4)). Based on the results of the preliminary study, we employed another sample of 140 patients and implemented a three-step increase in TCI (1.0 ng/ml to 2.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R(1-2-4)). We then compared this treatment with direct targeting based on 4.0 ng/ml TCI (Group R(4)). We recorded the episodes of coughs, rating them as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5 or more).

RESULTS

In Group R(1-4), one patient (1.5%) coughed during the first step, and five (7.3%) coughed during the second step. In Group R(2-4), nine (13.2%) coughed during the first step, but none coughed during the next step. Only one patient had a mild cough during the three-step increase in TCI, that is, patients in Group R(1-2-4) were significantly less likely to cough than those in Group R(4) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Stepwise increases in the TCI of remifentanil reduced the incidence of remifentanil-induced coughing, and the three-step increase in TCI nearly eliminated remifentanil-induced coughing.

Update on perioperative management of the child with asthma

Asthma represents the leading cause of morbidity from a chronic disease among children. Dealing with this disease during the perioperative period of pediatric surgical procedures is, therefore, quite common for the anesthesiologist and other professionalities involved. Preoperative assessment has a key role in detecting children at increased risk of perioperative respiratory complications. For children without an optimal control of symptoms or with a recent respiratory tract infection elective surgery should be postponed, if possible, after the optimization of therapy. According to clinical setting, loco-regional anesthesia represents the desirable option since it allows to avoid airway instrumentation. Airway management goals are preventing the increase of airflow resistance during general anesthesia along with avoiding triggers of bronchospasm. When their use is possible, face mask ventilation and laringeal mask are considered more reliable than tracheal intubation for children with asthma. Sevoflurane is the most commonly used anesthetic for induction and manteinance. Salbutamol seems to be useful in preventing airflow resistance rise after endotracheal intubation. Mechanical ventilation should be tailored according to pathophysiology of asthma: an adequate expiratory time should be setted in order to avoid a positive end-expiratory pressure due to expiratory airflow obstruction. Pain should be prevented and promptly controlled with a loco-regional anesthesia technique when it is possible. Potential allergic reactions to drugs or latex should always be considered during the whole perioperative period. Creating a serene atmosphere should be adopted as an important component of interventions in order to guarantee the best care to the asthmatic child.

Intravenous dexamethasone pretreatment reduces remifentanil induced cough

BACKGROUND

Remifentanil infusion is commonly used for general anesthesia but reflex cough can occur after an intravenous (IV) infusion. This study was designed to examine the effect of IV-dexamethasone on remifentanil-induced cough (RIC).

METHODS

One hundred thirty patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned into two groups that received by either 2 ml of IV 0.9% saline (Group C, n = 68) or 10 mg of dexamethasone (Group D, n = 62) 5 min before administration of remifentanil at a target effect-site concentration of 5 ng/ml. The incidence and severity of coughs of each patient were recorded.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of cough was 6.5% (4/62 patients) in Group D and 26.5% (18/68 patients) in the Group C (P = 0.002). The severity of cough observed was significantly different by dexamethasone pretreatment (P = 0.02) but there were no significant hemodynamic changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with dexamethasone after IV administration was effective in suppressing the reflex cough induced by remifentanil infusion.

Comparison of the effectiveness of lidocaine and salbutamol on coughing provoked by intravenous remifentanil during anesthesia induction

BACKGROUND

Coughing is a side effect of opioids that is rarely studied. Here, we evaluated the incidence of remifentanil induced coughing during anesthesia induction in an attempt to identify its risk factors and to examine the preventive effects of lidocaine and salbutamol.

METHODS

A total of 237 patients scheduled to undergo general anesthesia were allocated randomly into three groups. Group C received no medication, while Group L received 2% lidocaine at 0.5 mg/kg intravenously 1 minute prior to remifentanil infusion and Group S inhaled one metered aerosol puff of salbutamol 15 minutes prior to entering the operating room. Remifentanil was infused at 5 ng/ml by target controlled infusion and coughing was measured for five minutes and graded as none, mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of coughs.

RESULTS

The incidences of coughing were 30.4%, 25.3%, and 35.4% in Groups C, L, and S, respectively. The incidences, onset times, and severity of coughing did not differ significantly among groups. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that non-smoking and a lower body weight were risk factors of remifentanil-induced coughing (odds ratio, 8.13; P = 0.024, 1.11, and 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of remifentanil-induced coughing was 30%. A total of 0.5 mg/kg lidocaine and 1 metered aerosol puff of salbutamol did not prevent coughing. Non-smoking and low body weight were found to be risk factors of remifentanil-induced coughing.

Comparison of the incidence and severity of cough after alfentanil and remifentanil injection

BACKGROUND

Intravenous administration of fentanyl derivatives can induce cough paradoxically. This study examined the incidence and severity of cough after a bolus of alfentanil and remifentanil.

METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-five patients, aged 18-70 years, were allocated randomly to three groups to receive alfentanil 10 microg/kg, remifentanil 1 microg/kg or an equal volume of 0.9% saline intravenously over 10 s. Any episode of cough was classified as coughing and graded as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4) or severe (5 or more).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of cough was higher in the opioid groups than in the saline group. The remifentanil group [39/150 patients; 26.0% (95% CI, 19.6-33.6%)] showed a higher incidence than the alfentanil group [11/152 patients; 7.2% (95% CI, 0.4-12.6%)] (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the severity of cough between the alfentanil group and the remifentanil group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that equipotent boluses of alfentanil and remifentanil induced coughing, even though the incidence of cough after alfentanil administration was lower than that after remifentanil administration.

The incidence of cough induced by remifentanil during anesthetic induction was decreased by graded escalation of the remifentanil concentration

BACKGROUND

It is well known that opioids induce coughing. Many drugs such as lidocaine and ketamine are used to effectively prevent the coughing induced by opioids and this has been revealed to be effective. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effect of a graded escalation of the remifentanil concentration using a target controlled infusion pump and we compared this with the effect of lidocaine.

METHODS

One hundred fifty ASA I and II patients who were scheduled for elective surgery were randomly divided into 3 groups. The patients were pretreated with 2% lidocaine 1 mg/kg (Group L) or saline (Group S) and remifentanil infusion (an effect site concentration of 4.0 ng/ml) was followed 1 minute later by using a target controlled infusion pump. Group R was pretreated with saline and this was followed by remifentanil infusion (effect site concentration of 2.0 ng/ml at first and then it was reset to 4.0 ng/ml). We evaluated the incidence, severity and onset time of cough after remifentanil infusion.

RESULTS

The incidence of coughing was significantly decreased in Group R (6 cases, 12%) and Group L (7 cases, 14%), as compared to that of Group S (17 cases, 34%) (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between Group R and Group L. The groups showed no significant difference in the severity and the onset time of coughing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that administering graded escalation of the remifentanil concentration suppresses remifentanil-induced coughing as effectively as lidocaine 1 mg/kg pretreatment.

Effect of low dose ketamine to prevent remifentanil-induced cough: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A reflex cough is often observed after an intravenous (IV) bolus of remifentanil. Since ketamine was reported to be effective in modulating the cough reflex, this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of pretreatment with ketamine on remifentanil-induced cough.

METHODS

320 patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either IV ketamine 0.1 mg/kg (ketamine group, n = 156) or 0.9% saline (saline group, n = 154) 1 min before administration of remifentanil at a target effect-site concentration of 5 ng/ml. Severity of cough was graded (mild, 1-2; moderate, 3-4; and severe, 5 or >5).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of cough was significantly higher in the saline group (43/154 patients; 0.28, 95% CI 0.21, 0.36) than that in the ketamine group (18/156 patients; 0.12, 95% CI 0.07, 0.18) (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the severity and the onset time of cough between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IV ketamine 0.1 mg/kg one minute before remifentanil was effective in suppressing remifentanil-induced cough without affecting the severity and onset time.