The use of dexmedetomidine during laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and tracheal extubation following tracheal reconstruction

Comparative evaluation of lignocaine nebulization with and without dexmedetomidine for flexible videoendoscopic guided awake nasal intubation for general anaesthesia

Background and Aims

Awake fibreoptic intubation is considered a safe approach in airway management of a patient with difficult airway. Awake fibreoptic endoscopy needs appropriate anaesthesia of airway to suppress airway reflexes and prevent discomfort. We planned this study to evaluate effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lignocaine nebulization on conditions for awake videoendoscopic intubation.

Material and Methods

In this prospective randomized double blind controlled study, ninety six ASA grade I, II patients of either gender, aged 18-65 years, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia, were randomly allocated into two groups, Group D and L to receive nebulization with 4% Lignocaine 5 ml + Dexmedetomidine 2 mcg/kg and 4% Lignocaine alone respectively, 20 min before procedure. Time taken to intubate the patient, ease of intubation assessed by cough severity score, patient comfort score, post-intubation patient satisfaction and hemodynamic changes were recorded and compared.

Results

Group D and L had comparable intubation time (196.8 ± 61.2 s) and (205.8 ± 52.2 s) (p = 0.437). Cough severity, patient comfort and quality of procedure with post intubation patient satisfaction score were significantly better in Group D. Haemodynamics parameters were better post nebulization in group D as compared to group L.

Conclusion

Addition of Dexmedetomidine 2 mcg/kg with 4% Lignocaine during nebulization improves intubating conditions during awake flexible videoendoscopy in terms of ease of intubation, cough severity, patients comfort and satisfaction along with providing stable Haemodynamics profile.

Near ideal anesthetic technique for tracheal stenting in central airway obstruction with dexmedetomidine-ketamine infusion: a case report

Central airway obstruction presents as an emergency with dyspnea and stridor. Anesthetic management of rigid bronchoscopy-guided tracheal stenting is highly stimulating procedure requiring general anesthesia. But it may lead to life threatening airway obstruction and cardiovascular collapse after induction. Total intravenous anesthesia based on propofol-remifentanil is an optimal anesthetic technique, but remifentanil is not available in many countries. Although dexmedetomidine-ketamine has been used for procedural sedation, its use for rigid bronchoscopy in the setting of central airway obstruction has not been described in literature. We describe near ideal anesthetic technique for management of central airway obstruction using dexmedetomidine-ketamine combination.

Volatiles or TIVA: Which is the standard of care for pediatric airway procedures? A pro-con discussion

Anesthesia for pediatric airway procedures constitutes a true art form that requires training and experience. Communication between anesthetist and surgeon to establish procedure goals is essential in determining the most appropriate anesthetic management. But does the mode of anesthesia have an impact? Traditionally, inhalational anesthesia was the most common anesthesia technique used during airway surgery. Introduction of agents used for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) such as propofol, short-acting opioids, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine has driven change in practice. Ongoing debates abound as to the advantages and disadvantages of volatile-based anesthesia versus TIVA. This pro-con discussion examines both volatiles and TIVA, from the perspective of effectiveness, safety, cost, and environmental impact, in an endeavor to justify which technique is the best specifically for pediatric airway procedures.

Deep Tracheal Extubation Using Dexmedetomidine in Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization: Advantages and Complications

Objective. Deep tracheal extubation using dexmedetomidine is safe and provides smooth recovery in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization. Design. Single-institution, retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Participants. All patients aged between 1 month and 5 years who underwent general endotracheal anesthesia for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations in the cardiac catheterization suite from January 2015 (change in standard operating procedure) through October 2016 (approval of institutional review board for study). Measurement and Main Results. One hundred and eighty-nine patients (81%) of the 232 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization during the study period were noted to undergo deep tracheal extubation. Cyanotic heart disease was present in 87 patients (46%), history of prematurity in 51 (27%), and pulmonary hypertension in 26 (14%) patients. A documented smooth recovery in the postoperative care unit (PACU) requiring no additional analgesics or sedatives was observed in 91% of the patients. The majority of patients required no airway support after deep extubation (n = 140, 74%, P = .136). The presence of pulmonary hypertension (odds ratio = 4.45, P = .035) and presence of a cough on the day of the procedure (odds ratio = 7.10, P = .03) were significantly associated with the use of oxygen or use of oral airway for greater than 20 minutes in the PACU. After extubation, there were no reported events of aspiration, the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, reintubation, heart block, or systemic hypotension requiring treatment or cardiac arrest. Conclusions. Deep extubation using dexmedetomidine in infants and toddlers after cardiac catheterization is feasible and enables smooth postoperative recovery with minimal adverse effects.

Dexmedetomidine-based intravenous anesthesia of a pediatric patient with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: A case report

RATIONALE

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect, resulting in deficits in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate production, an important intracellular antioxidant enzyme. G6PD-deficient subjects present with a susceptibility of erythrocytes to oxidative stress and hemolysis, and should avoid drugs or stressors that have oxidative actions. Dexmedetomidine is an anesthetic agent with antioxidant actions.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES

A 5-year-old boy with G6PD deficiency. The patient was diagnosed with G6PD deficiency at birth. His red blood cell levels were indicating Class II G6PD activity by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, but had no history of hemolytic anemia.

INTRAVENTIONS

Because of the patient's anxiety and hyperactivity prior to an operation for upper labial frenum resection, we performed perioperative management using intravenous sedation with dexmedetomidine, which provides upper airway patency and has an antioxidant action.

OUTCOMES

There was no abnormal breathing observed during anesthesia, and arousal was smooth with stable hemodynamics. The patient had no symptoms of hemolytic anemia up to 1 week postsurgery.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant sedatives such as dexmedetomidine may be useful for reducing the risk of hemolysis after surgery in infant G6PD deficiency cases.

Tracheal extubation in deeply anesthetized pediatric patients after tonsillectomy: a comparison of high-concentration sevoflurane alone and low-concentration sevoflurane in combination with dexmedetomidine pre-medication

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine can facilitate a smooth extubation process and reduce the requirement of sevoflurane and emergence agitation when administrated perioperatively. We aimed to observe the extubation process and the recovery characteristics in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy while anesthetized with either high-concentration sevoflurane alone or low-concentration sevoflurane combined with pre-medication of single dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients (ASA I or II, aged 3-7 years) undergoing tonsillectomy were randomized into three equal groups: to receive intravenous saline (Group D0), dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group D1), or dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg (Group D2) approximately 10 min before anesthesia. Before the end of surgery, sevoflurane were adjusted to 1.5 times, 1.0 time and 0.8 times the minimal effective concentration in groups D₀, D₁ and D₂, respectively. The sevoflurane concentration for each group was maintained for at least 10 min before the tracheal deep-extubation was performed. The extubation event, recovery characteristics and post-op respiratory complications were recorded.

RESULTS

All tracheal tubes in three groups were removed successfully during deep anesthesia. Nine patients in Group D₀, three patients in Group D₁, and two patients in Group D₂ required oral airway to maintain a patent airway after extubation. The frequency of oral airway usage in groups D₁ and D₂ were significantly lower than that in Group D₀. The percentages of patients with ED and the requirements of fentanyl in groups D₁ and D₂ were also significantly lower than those in Group D₀. The time from extubation to spontaneous eye opening in Group D₂ was longer than that in groups D₀ and D₁. The times of post-anesthesia care unit discharge in groups D₀ and D₂ were longer than that in Group D₁. No other respiratory complications and vomiting were observed.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine as pre-medication in combination with low-concentration sevoflurane at the end of surgery provided safe and smooth deep extubation condition and it also lowered the emergence agitation in sevoflurane-anaesthetized children undergoing tonsillectomy. Preoperative dexmedetomidine at 1 μg/kg did not prolong postoperative recovery time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-IOR-16008423 , date of registration: 06 may 2016.

Total intravenous anesthesia will supercede inhalational anesthesia in pediatric anesthetic practice

Inhalational anesthesia has dominated the practice of pediatric anesthesia. However, as the introduction of agents such as propofol, short-acting opioids, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine a monumental change has occurred. With increasing use, the overwhelming advantages of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) have emerged and driven change in practice. These advantages, outlined in this review, will justify why TIVA will supercede inhalational anesthesia in future pediatric anesthetic practice.

Low-dose intramuscular dexmedetomidine as premedication: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine-induced bradycardia or hypotension has recently attracted considerable attention because of potentially grave consequences, including sinus arrest and refractory cardiogenic shock. A route other than intravenous injection or a low dose may help minimize cardiovascular risks associated with dexmedetomidine. However, few studies have addressed the clinical effects of low-dose intramuscular dexmedetomidine as premedication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I adult patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery were randomized to receive intramuscular dexmedetomidine (1 µg·kg-1) or midazolam (0.02 mg·kg-1) 30 minutes prior to anaesthesia induction. The sedative, hemodynamic, and adjuvant anaesthetic effects of both premedications were assessed.

RESULTS

The levels of sedation (Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scales) and anxiety (visual analog score) at pre-induction, and the times to eye-opening and extubation, were not different between the groups. The heart rate response following tracheal intubation and extubation, and mean arterial pressure responses after extubation, were attenuated in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the midazolam group. No bradycardia or hypotension was noted in any patients. Propofol target concentrations at intubation and at start and completion of surgery were decreased in the dexmedetomidine group, whereas no difference in respective remifentanil levels was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that dexmedetomidine premedication in low dose (1 μg·kg-1) by intramuscular route can induce preoperative sedation and adjuvant anaesthetic effects without clinically significant bradycardia or hypotension.

Dexmedetomidine and propofol total intravenous anesthesia for airway foreign body removal

PURPOSE

To detail our experience using dexmedetomidine in combination with propofol for airway foreign body removal in spontaneously breathing patients.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Dexmedetomidine and propofol intravenous anesthesia as a primary anesthetic was used for three pediatric patients with severe respiratory impairment due to foreign body aspiration and two elderly patients requiring airway foreign body removal by rigid bronchoscopy. All patients were spontaneously ventilating, and had successful airway foreign body removal without severe hypoxemia. The three pediatric patients maintained stable respiratory and hemodynamic profiles. However, dexmedetomidine caused a significant change in the hemodynamics of the elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine and propofol intravenous anesthesia provided good anesthesia without causing respiratory depression. However, this technique related to more hemodynamic depression in elderly patients than in pediatrics.

Dexmedetomidine vs remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia and spontaneous ventilation for airway foreign body removal in children

BACKGROUND

To compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine/propofol (DP)-total i.v. anaesthesia (TIVA) vs remifentanil/propofol (RP)-TIVA, both with spontaneous breathing, during airway foreign body (FB) removal in children.

METHODS

Seventy-seven children undergoing rigid bronchoscopy for FB removal were randomly allocated to receive either RP-TIVA and spontaneous ventilation (Group RP, n=38) or DP-TIVA and spontaneous ventilation (Group DP, n=39). Heart rate, arterial pressure, pulse oxygen saturation (Sp(O2)), respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2 (E'(CO2)), and induction time were recorded. Adverse events, the intervention for these events, and postoperative care duration were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean induction times were comparable between the two groups (Group RP 12.2 min vs Group DP 13.1 min, P>0.05). At the end of the procedure, the mean (E'(CO2)) was higher in Group RP (Group RP 6.8 kPa vs Group DP 5.8 kPa, P<0.001), and respiratory rate was lower in Group RP (Group RP 20.4 vs Group DP 35.8, P<0.001). Additionally, the perioperative haemodynamic profile was more stable in Group DP than that in Group RP. The incidence rate of breath-holding and intervention were comparable between the two groups. In the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), no hypoxaemia was observed, and emergence time increased in Group DP (Group DP 65.1 min vs Group RP 23.8 min, P<0.0001). The incidence of cough in PACU was higher in Group RP (Group RP 55.3% vs Group DP 10.3%, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with RP-TIVA, DP-TIVA provided more stable respiratory and haemodynamic profiles, but required a longer recovery time. Clinical trial registration China Clinical Research Information Service, ChiCTR-TRC-13003018.

Efficacy and safety of spontaneous ventilation technique using dexmedetomidine for rigid bronchoscopic airway foreign body removal in children

BACKGROUND

In children, removal of an airway foreign body is usually performed by rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Debate continues regarding the respiratory mode (spontaneous or controlled ventilation) and appropriate anesthetic drugs. Dexmedetomidine has several desirable pharmacologic properties and appears to be a useful agent for airway surgeries.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the efficacy of spontaneous ventilation (SV) technique using dexmedetomidine for bronchoscopic removal of foreign bodies in children.

METHODS

Eighty pediatric patients undergoing rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body removal were randomly divided into two groups. In the SV group, dexmedetomidine (4 μg∙kg(-1)) and topical lidocaine (3-5 mg∙kg(-1)) were administered and the patients were breathing spontaneously throughout the procedure. In the manual jet ventilation (MJV) group, anesthesia was induced with fentanyl (2 μg∙kg(-1)), propofol (3-5 mg∙kg(-1)), and succinylcholine (1 mg∙kg(-1)), and MJV was performed.

RESULTS

The success rates of foreign body removal, the incidence of body movement and other perioperative adverse events, and hemodynamic changes were similar between the two groups. The SV patients required longer stays in the postanesthesia care unit (P < 0.01) but experienced less coughing (P = 0.029) in the recovery room.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine may provide appropriately deep anesthesia and ideal conditions for rigid bronchoscopic airway foreign body removal without respiratory depression or hemodynamic instability.

Dexmedetomidine as a Primary Sedative Agent after Single-Stage Airway Reconstruction

Objective

To examine the outcomes of children receiving dexmedetomidine after single-stage airway reconstruction.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Of 61 eligible patients, 50 children undergoing single-stage airway reconstruction were included in the study. Thirty children received dexmedetomidine (Dex) as a primary sedative agent, and 20 received a more traditional sedation protocol (no Dex). Primary outcomes included complications, intubation lengths, and lengths of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)/hospital admission. Secondary analysis incorporating polypharmacy and age was performed using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

Median age was 18.0 months. Age, sex, and weight were similar between the groups. Intubation length was equal in the 2 groups, and there were no statistical differences between lengths of PICU or hospital stay after extubation. Similarly, overall and individual complications were all similar, and there was no difference between the 2 groups in the amount of polypharmacy administered. On multivariate analysis, polypharmacy and younger age were independently correlated with an increase in overall complications, and polypharmacy alone was correlated with an increased length of stay after extubation.

Conclusion

The use of dexmedetomidine as a primary sedation agent after single-stage airway surgery does not appear to improve outcomes or decrease the need for additional pharmacologic agents. Polypharmacy was associated with an increase in overall complications and an increased length of stay after extubation. Although success can be expected in greater than 90% of these surgical patients, the optimal postoperative sedation management remains challenging.

Preliminary experience with a combination of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusions for diagnostic cardiac catheterization in children

No specific regimen has been universally accepted as ideal for procedural sedation during cardiac catheterization in infants and children. In this paper, we retrospectively describe our preliminary experience with a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation during cardiac catheterization in children with congenital heart disease. The short-half life of these two drugs creates a potential for easier titration, quicker recovery and less prolonged sedation-related adverse effects. This combination was not only able to limit the dose of either drugs, but was also very stable from cardio-respiratory standpoint. There were no adverse effects noted in our two patients. This initial experience showed that the combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine as a continuous infusion may be a suitable alternative for sedation in spontaneously breathing children undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam for Conscious Sedation in Postoperative Patients Undergoing Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Study

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy and patient tolerance of dexmedetomidine compared with midazolam for sedation in postoperative patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. METHODS: A total of 198 postoperative patients were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine ( n = 99) or midazolam ( n = 99) to produce conscious sedation for bronchoscopy. Peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were recorded before, during and after the procedure. Patient tolerance was recorded using various visual analogue scales. RESULTS: The mean lowest peripheral oxygen saturation was significantly lower in the midazolam group than in the dexmedetomidine group. Heart rate and systolic arterial pressure were both significantly higher during bronchoscopy in the midazolam group than in the dexmedetomidine group. Bronchoscopy was well tolerated in both groups; there was no between-group difference in patient discomfort scores or in the percentage of patients who would accept repeat bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine provided better oxygen saturation and was equally well tolerated for conscious sedation in postoperative patients undergoing bronchoscopy.

Dexmedetomidine use in pediatric airway reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Assess the postoperative use of dexmedetomidine (Precedex) in pediatric patients following airway reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 24 children undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) or laryngeal cleft repair (LCR) was conducted. Twelve children were treated with standard sedation protocols where dexmedetomidine was administered in lieu of propofol (Diprivan); 12 age-, gender-, and procedure-matched controls were selected. Subjects were divided into groups based on duration of postoperative intubation for cross-comparison; group 1 was intubated <24 hours, group 2 was intubated 2 to 6 days, and group 3 was intubated 7 days or longer. Baseline heart rate and blood pressure measurements were compared to hourly measurements for the first 6 hours following initiation of dexmedetomidine or mechanical ventilation in the control group. Number of supportive respiratory interventions, adverse events, self-extubations, premature termination of dexmedetomidine, amount of muscle relaxants, agents to treat withdrawal, and length of stay were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ten patients undergoing LTR and 2 patients undergoing LCR receiving dexmedetomidine were compared to 10 LTR and 2 LCR control patients. Overall, dexmedetomidine was well tolerated and without significant adverse effects, particularly in cases of short-term intubation or as a bridge to extubation.

CONCLUSION

In cases requiring short-term intubation following airway reconstruction, dexmedetomidine may offer a safe alternative to propofol by providing readily reversible sedation during the periextubation period. Further studies are needed to determine the safety, efficacy, dosing, and potential complications of longer term dexmedetomidine administration in pediatric airway reconstruction.

A comparison of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for sedation, pain and hemodynamic control, during colonoscopy under conscious sedation

OBJECTIVE

The intent of our study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam on perioperative hemodynamics, sedation, pain, satisfaction and recovery scores during colonoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 60 ASA I-II patients, between 20 and 80 years of age were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Midazolam 0.05 mg kg(-1) and fentanyl citrate 1 microg kg(-1) were administered intravenously to cases in Group I (n = 30). An initial loading dose of 1 microg kg(-1) dexmedetomidine was administered intravenously in 10 min to cases in Group II (n = 30) before the procedure and as a continuous infusion dose of 0.5 microg kg(-1) h(-1) just before the procedure started. Also 1 microg kg(-1) fentanyl citrate was administered intravenously immediately before the procedure. Peripheral oxygen saturation (S(pO2)), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores and colonoscopist satisfaction scores of the cases were recorded.

RESULTS

Although statistically significant values were not detected between the two groups with regard to mean arterial pressure, in Group I heart rates were higher and S(pO2) scores were lower in a statistically significant manner. When the groups were compared with regard to RSS, the RSS scores of Group I at the 10th and 15th minutes were significantly lower than Group II. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups when compared with regard to NRS scores. Satisfaction scores were significantly lower in Group II.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine provides more efficient hemodynamic stability, higher Ramsay sedation scale scores, higher satisfaction scores and lower NRS scores in colonoscopies. According to our results we believe that dexmedetomidine can be used safely as a sedoanalgesic agent in colonoscopies.

Dexmedetomidine and proprofol in complex microlaryngeal surgery in infants

We describe the case of an infant undergoing endoscopic repair of a laryngeal cleft where the combination of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusions was used as the anesthetic technique. With this regimen, endotracheal intubation was unnecessary during the perioperative period, the procedure lasted approximately 3h, and the child recovered uneventfully. Historically, the techniques used for microlaryngeal surgery involve the use of intermittent endotracheal intubation and insufflation of halogenated anesthetics to the oropharynx. Given the potential benefits of a technique that obviates the need for endotracheal intubation during microlaryngeal surgery and prevents insufflation of halogenated anesthetics in an open environment, the combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine should be considered as a viable and desirable anesthetic option for infants undergoing complex microlaryngeal surgery.

The use of dexmedetomidine in critically ill children

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of dexmedetomidine for sedating intubated children in a general medical/surgical pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study.

SETTING

Multidisciplinary PICU of a tertiary, university-affiliated children's hospital.

PATIENTS

All children receiving dexmedetomidine within the PICU during the period of August 2003 to August 2005.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

During the study period, 121 mechanically ventilated patients, median age 36 months (range 2 months to 21 years), who received dexmedetomidine infusions. The infusion was initiated and adjusted per our PICU protocol. The average dose was 0.55 microg/kg/hr (range 0.15-0.70 microg/kg/hr) and average length of use was 25.8 hours (range 20 minutes to 60 hours). During the dexmedetomidine infusion, the mean decrease in total benzodiazepine and opiate dose as compared with the 24 hours prior was 42% and 36%, respectively. Most patients were able to reduce their benzodiazepine and opiate dose by at least 20% with the dexmedetomidine infusion (70% and 73% of patients, respectively). After discontinuing dexmedetomidine, the average change in total benzodiazepine and opiate dose as compared with the 24 hours before infusion was an increase of 14% and 1.5%, respectively. Fewer patients were able to maintain at least a 20% reduction in benzodiazepine and opiate after cessation of dexmedetomidine compared with the 24 hours before initiation (38% and 40% of patients, respectively). Hypotension and/or bradycardia requiring clinical intervention occurred in 33 of 121 (27%) patients. Discontinuation secondary to clinical concern was necessary in 12 of 121 (10%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that many, although not all, mechanically ventilated children may be able to reduce their need for other sedation medications with the use of dexmedetomidine. However, the potential side effects of dexmedetomidine necessitates close hemodynamic monitoring with its use.