Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Propofol and Ketamine for Procedural Sedation/Anesthesia in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The Impact of the Delivery Method on Oxidative Stress in Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a factor that may adversely affect the development of the foetus, the course of labour, and newborn health. This study aimed to determine the association between the labour method, oxidative stress parameters, and neonatal condition. Methods: The study material was umbilical cord blood from newborns delivered vaginally (n = 60) or by caesarean section (n = 108). The total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and glutathione reductase activity (GR) were determined using colorimetric methods. The concentration of the chemical elements (Zn, Cu, Mn) was estimated, using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASA). Results: The SOD activity was significantly lower in newborns with an Apgar score below 10 at the 5th minute of life compared to newborns with the highest Apgar points (p = 0.041). In neonates delivered by caesarean section (CS), but not vaginally born (VB) neonates, the SOD activity was significantly lower in newborns with Apgar scores less than 10 at the 5th minute of life compared to newborns with the maximum number of Apgar points (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The reduced SOD activity in the umbilical cord blood of newborns with Apgar scores less than 10 could be related to increased oxidative stress during labour. Bupivacaine-induced oxidative stress seems to be the cause of SOD downregulation in caesarean-delivered newborns. The observed SOD downregulation in neonates delivered by CS and with a decreased Apgar score requires confirmation based on a larger cohort of neonates.

Efficacy and safety of S-ketamine in pain management for breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. According to the recent statistics by World Health Organization (WHO), it is the leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide and it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-ketamine in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

METHOD

We searched five databases; PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Medline Plus. We included six studies. The applicable outcomes for meta-analysis about efficacy and safety of S-ketamine in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

RESULTS

Six RCTs included in our meta-analysis found that Esketamine group had a statistically significant lower VAS score after 4 h, after 6 h, after 24 h, after 48 h; (MD = -1.54; 95% CI [-1.65, -1.42], P < 0.00001), (MD = -0.55; 95% CI [-0.66, -0.45], P < 0.00001), (MD = -0.75; 95% CI [-0.84, -0.66], P < 0.00001,), (MD = -0.26; 95% CI [-0.48, -0.03], P = 0.03) P < 0.00001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that S-ketamine is valuable for reducing pain and safe in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

Pulmonary Atelectasis After Sedation With Propofol vs Propofol-Ketamine for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Little is known about the impact of different anesthetic agents used for routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sedation on pulmonary function in children.

Objective

To compare the incidence of pulmonary atelectasis after MRI sedation with propofol vs propofol-ketamine.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-masked randomized clinical trial screened 117 consecutive pediatric patients aged 3 to 12 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II undergoing elective MRI under deep sedation from November 2, 2022, to April 28, 2023, at a tertiary referral center. Four patients met the exclusion criteria, and 5 patients refused to participate. The participants and outcome assessors were masked to the group allocation.

Interventions

During the MRI, the propofol group received 0.2 mL/kg of 1% propofol and 2 mL of 0.9% saline followed by a continuous infusion of propofol (200 μg/kg/min) and 0.9% saline (0.04 mL/kg/min). The propofol-ketamine group received 0.2 mL/kg of 0.5% propofol and 1 mg/kg of ketamine followed by a continuous infusion of propofol (100 μg/kg/min) and ketamine (20 μg/kg/min).

Main Outcome and Measure

The incidence of atelectasis assessed by lung ultrasonography examination.

Results

A total of 107 children (median [IQR] age, 5 [4-6] years; 62 male [57.9%]), with 54 in the propofol group and 53 in the propofol-ketamine group, were analyzed in this study. Notably, 48 (88.9%) and 31 (58.5%) patients had atelectasis in the propofol and propofol-ketamine groups, respectively (relative risk, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8; P < .001). The incidence of desaturation and interruption of the MRI due to airway intervention or spontaneous movement did not significantly differ between the groups. The propofol-ketamine group showed a faster emergence time than the propofol group (15 [9-23] vs 25 [22-27] minutes in the propofol-ketamine vs propofol group; median difference in time, 9.0 minutes; 95% CI, 6.0-12.0 minutes; P < .001). No patient was withdrawn from the trial due to adverse effects.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, the propofol-ketamine combination reduced sedation-induced atelectasis while allowing for faster emergence compared with propofol alone.

Trial Registration

cris.nih.go.kr Identifier: KCT0007699.

Procedural pain management in neonates: A Narrative review

Over the past three decades, awareness regarding pain management in neonates has risen significantly. It has been very well established that neonates can perceive, feel, and react to stimuli that cause pain and discomfort to them. Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are repeatedly subjected to invasive treatments, most of which are painful. These procedures, nevertheless, are still performed, sometimes without sufficient analgesia. Exposure to frequent traumatic and painful procedures has been associated with several adverse effects such as altered brain growth and signs of internalization. Both inadequate and excessive analgesia during this period of rapid development may lead to profound neurodevelopmental outcomes. Ensuring the avoidance of pain in NICUs is a crucial obligation from both ethical and medical standpoints. Despite established international criteria, there is currently insufficient adherence to this criterion, highlighting the need for additional development in uniformly providing effective pain management to newborns in NICUs.

Intravenous esketamine as an adjuvant for sedation/analgesia outside the operating room: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous esketamine as an adjuvant for sedation or analgesia outside the operating room in adults and children.

Method

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for potential randomized controlled studies randomized controlled trials comparing drug combinations of esketamine to any other single or combination drug regimens for sedation or analgesia outside the operating room.

Results

Twenty-five studies with a total of 3,455 participants were included in this review. The pooled results of adults showed that compared with drug regimens of the control group, intravenous esketamine combinations were significantly associated with decreased risk of oxygen desaturation (RR = 0.49, 95% CI = [0.34, 0.70]); hypotension (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = [0.31, 0.46]); bradycardia (RR = 0.23, 95% CI = [0.12, 0.43]); injection pain (RR = 0.37, 95% CI = [0.25, 0.53]); body movement (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = [0.41, 0.88]); and propofol consumption (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI = [-2.64, -0.11]), but an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms (RR = 3.10, 95% CI = [2.11, 4.54]) (RR = relative risk; CI = confidence intervals; SMD = standardized mean difference). Subgroup analysis showed that only the combination of esketamine and propofol significantly reduced the above incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular adverse events in adults. In addition, the pooled results of children showed that compared with drug regimens of the control group, esketamine and propofol co-administration significantly reduced the risk of hypotension (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = [0.37, 0.95]) but increased the risk of visual disturbance (RR = 6.62, 95% CI = [2.18, 20.13]) and dizziness (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = [1.17, 3,37]). Subgroup analysis indicated that esketamine>0.5 mg/kg significantly reduced the incidence of hypotension, but increased the risk of dizziness in children.

Conclusion

Intravenous use of esketamine, particularly in combination with propofol, may improve the safety and efficacy of sedation and analgesia outside the operating room, although the potential for psychiatric side effects warrants attention. Future research is recommended to investigate the role of esketamine with agents other than propofol.

Ferritinophagy-Mediated Hippocampus Ferroptosis is Involved in Cognitive Impairment in Immature Rats Induced by Hypoxia Combined with Propofol

Propofol is a clinically common intravenous general anesthetic and is widely used for anesthesia induction, maintenance and intensive care unit (ICU) sedation in children. Hypoxemia is a common perioperative complication. In clinical work, we found that children with hypoxemia who received propofol anesthesia experienced significant postoperative cognitive changes. To explore the causes of this phenomenon, we conducted the study. In this study, our in vivo experiments found that immature rats exposed to hypoxia combined with propofol (HCWP) could develop cognitive impairment. We performed the RNA-seq analysis of its hippocampal tissues and found that autophagy and ferroptosis may play a role in our model. Next, we verified the participation of the two modes of death by detecting the expression of autophagy-related indexes Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) and Beclin1, and ferroptosis-related indicators Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Meanwhile, we found that ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), an inhibitor of ferroptosis, could improve cognitive impairment in immature rats caused by HCWP. In addition, we found that nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy, which acted as a key junction between autophagy and ferroptosis, was also involved. Finally, our in vitro experiments concluded that autophagy activation was an upstream factor in HCWP-induced hippocampus ferroptosis through the intervention of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Our study was expected to provide an attractive therapeutic target for cognitive impairment that occurred after HCWP exposures.

Evaluating the Quality of Systematic Reviews on Pediatric Sedation in Dentistry: An Umbrella Review

Sedation is a depression of a patient's state of consciousness, induced by medications, that can reach different levels of intensity during a medical procedure. Conscious sedation produces a minimally depressed level of consciousness without impairment of the ability to maintain an open airway, of protective reflexes or of responses to verbal and physical stimulation. This umbrella review is aimed at critically assessing the available systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MA) on sedation in children/adolescents. An electronic database search was conducted that included Pubmed-Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, LILACS and TRIP and the scope of which extended until January 2023. The risk of bias (RoB) of SRs was analyzed using the Measurement Tool to Assess SRs criteria 2 (AMSTAR2). Of 998 entries, 37 SRs were included. In terms of methodological quality, eight studies were assessed as having critically low quality, four studies had low quality, nine studies had moderate quality, and sixteen were considered to be of high quality. Based on the current guidelines, the most employed drugs in pediatric dentistry for sedation are nitrous oxide and midazolam; however, the available evidence supporting their use is insufficient and of low/critically low quality. The combined technique is recommended (nitrous oxide (30-50%) + midazolam). The optimal dose of oral midazolam is 0.75 mg/kg. The level of methodological quality of SRs is expected to increase according to the results and future directions of this umbrella review.

Enhancing Safety in Tumescent Liposuction: Managing Sedation-Related Respiratory Issues and Serious Complications Under Deep Sedation with the Propofol-Ketamine Protocol

BACKGROUND

Over the past 4 years, aesthetic surgery, notably liposuction, has substantially increased. Tumescent liposuction, a popular technique, has two variants-true tumescent liposuction (TTL) and semi-tumescent liposuction. While TTL reduces risks, it has limitations. There is no literature reported on semi-tumescent liposuction under deep sedation using the propofol-ketamine protocol, which is proposed as a potentially safe alternative.

METHODS

The retrospective analysis covered 8 years and included 3094 patients performed for tumescent liposuction under deep sedation, utilizing the propofol-ketamine protocol. The evaluation of patient safety involved an examination of potential adverse events with a specific focus on respiratory issues related to sedation, including instances of mask ventilation.

RESULTS

Among the 3094 cases, no fatalities were recorded. Noteworthy events included 43 mask ventilation instances, primarily occurring in the initial 10 min. Twelve cases experienced surgery cancellation due to various factors, including respiratory issues. Three patients were transferred to upper-level hospitals, while another three required blood transfusions. Vigilant management prevented significant complications, and other adverse events like venous thromboembolism (VTE), fat embolism, severe lidocaine toxicity, and so on were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of 3094 tumescent liposuction cases highlighted the overall safety profile of the propofol-ketamine protocol under deep sedation. The scarcity of severe complications underscores its viability. The study emphasizes the significance of thorough preoperative assessments, careful patient selection, and awareness of potential complications. Prompt interventions, particularly in addressing sedation-related respiratory issues, further contribute to positive outcomes for patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of ketamine on desaturation and the risk of nursing home discharge in patients undergoing procedural sedation by anaesthetists.

METHODS

We included adult patients who underwent procedures under monitored anaesthetic care between 2005 and 2021 at two academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was intraprocedural oxygen desaturation, defined as oxygen saturation <90% for ≥2 consecutive minutes. The co-primary outcome was a nursing home discharge.

RESULTS

Among 234,170 included patients undergoing procedural sedation, intraprocedural desaturation occurred in 5.6% of patients who received ketamine vs 5.2% of patients who did not receive ketamine (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.29, P<0.001; adjusted absolute risk difference [ARDadj] 1%, 95% CI 0.7-1.3%, P<0.001). The effect was magnified by age >65 yr, smoking, or preprocedural ICU admission (P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.45, P<0.001; ARDadj 2%, 95% CI 1.56-2.49%, P<0.001), procedural risk factors (upper endoscopy of longer than 2 h; P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 2.91, 95% CI 1.85-4.58, P<0.001; ARDadj 16.2%, 95% CI 9.8-22.5%, P<0.001), and high ketamine dose (P-for-trend <0.001, ORadj 1.61, 95% CI, 1.43-1.81 for ketamine >0.5 mg kg-1). Concomitant opioid administration mitigated the risk (P-for-interaction <0.001). Ketamine was associated with higher odds of nursing home discharge (ORadj 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, P=0.012; ARDadj 0.25%, 95% CI 0.05-0.46%, P=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine use for procedural sedation was associated with an increased risk of oxygen desaturation and discharge to a nursing home. The effect was dose-dependent and magnified in subgroups of vulnerable patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine-Propofol Combination for Periprocedural Sedation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The combination of ketamine with propofol and dexmedetomidine has gained popularity for sedation and general anesthesia in different populations. In our meta-nalysis, we helped the anesthesiologists to know the efficiency and the efficacy of both combinations in adult and pediatric patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to August 1, 2023. Our outcome parameters for efficacy were recovery time, pain score, and physician satisfaction while for safety were the related cardiorespiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal adverse events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Twenty-two trials were included with a total of 1429 patients. We found a significantly longer recovery time in the ketadex group of 7.59 min (95% CI, 4.92, 10.26; I2 = 94%) and a significantly less pain score of - 0.72 (95% CI, - 1.10, - 0.34; I2 = 0%). Adults had a significantly better physician satisfaction score with the ketofol group, odds ratio of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.12, 0.71; I2 = 0%). Recovery agitations were higher in the ketofol group with an odds ratio of 0.48 (95% CI, 0.24, 0.98; I2 = 36%). Furthermore, we found a significant difference between the combinations with a higher incidence in the ketadex group with pooled odds ratio of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.06, 2.88; I2 = 15%). Ketadex was associated with lower pain scores, hypoxic events and airway obstruction, and emergence agitation. At the same time, ketofol had much more clinician satisfaction which might be attributed to the shorter recovery time and lower incidence of nausea and vomiting. Therefore, we suppose that ketadex is the better combination in periprocedural sedation for both adult and pediatric patients who are not at greater risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

The impact of general anesthesia on the outcomes of preterm infants with gestational age less than 32 weeks delivered via cesarean section

Background

Recent advancements in China's perinatal and neonatal intensive care have significantly reduced neonatal mortality, yet preterm births before 32 weeks remain the primary cause of neonatal fatalities and contribute to long-term disabilities. The prognosis of very preterm infants (VPIs) is significantly affected by factors including the intrauterine environment, delivery method and neonatal intensive care. Cesarean section which often used for preterm births has implications that are not fully understood, particularly concerning the type of anesthesia used. This study examines the impact of general anesthesia (GA) during cesarean delivery on VPI outcomes, aiming to identify strategies for mitigating GA-associated risks.

Methods

This cohort study analyzed 1,029 VPIs born via cesarean section under 32 weeks' gestation at our single-center from 1 January 2018, to 31 December 2022. Detailed medical records, encompassing perioperative information, maternal data and neonatal outcomes were meticulously examined. The primary aim of this investigation was to compare maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes between VPIs delivered under GA and neuraxial anesthesia (NA). A significance level of p < 0.05 was established.

Results

Of the 1,029 VPIs analyzed, 87.95% (n = 905) were delivered via NA and 12.05% (n = 124) via GA. Mothers with hypertensive pregnancy diseases and emergency operations were more inclined to choose GA. VPIs delivered under GA showed a lower Apgar score at one and 5 minutes (p < 0.01), increased need for tracheal intubation resuscitation (32.2% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.01) and a greater incidence of severe neurological injury (SNI) (14.5% vs. 5%, p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed GA was significantly associated with lower Apgar scores at one (OR 6.321, 95% CI 3.729-10.714; p < 0.01) and 5 minutes (OR 4.535, 95% CI 2.975-6.913; p < 0.01), higher risk of tracheal intubation resuscitation (OR = 3.133, 95% CI = 1.939-5.061; p < 0.01) and SNI (OR = 3.019, 95% CI = 1.615-5.643; p < 0.01). Furthermore, for VPIs delivered under GA, a prolonged interval from skin incision to fetus delivery was associated with a lower 5-min Apgar score (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study revealed the significant impact of GA on adverse outcomes among VPIs. In cases when GA is required, proactive measures should be instituted for the care of VPIs such as expediting the interval from skin incision to fetal delivery.

Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Double-Blinded Comparison of Propofol and Ketofol Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

ERCP is an endoscopic procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of biliopancreatic system diseases. An increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to the insufflation of air to the intestinal lumen may be transmitted to ICP through the course of ERCP. In this prospective, randomized, controlled double-blinded study, we aimed to assess the ICP change using ultrasonography measurement of ONSD in patients undergoing ERCP comparing the effects of propofol and ketofol anesthesia.

MATERIAL/METHODS

One hundred and nine patients undergoing ERCP under propofol or ketofol anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Ultrasonography measurement of ONSD was performed before (T0) and immediately after induction of anesthesia (T1), during sphincterotomy (T2), at the end of procedure (T3), and after the patient is fully awake (T4).

RESULTS

Comparison of ONSD values and ONSD alteration between groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significantly greater changes from T0 to T2 compared with values from T0 to T1, T3, and T4, respectively (P = 0,000). T0 to T3 alteration was also significantly greater than T0 to T1 and T4 change in both groups (P = 0,000).

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP procedure increases intracranial pressure most prominently during sphincterotomy both under propofol or ketofol anesthesia. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of this phenomenon on adverse clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Sedation With Ketamine-Propofol Versus Propofol-Fentanyl for Elderly Patients Undergoing Prostate Biopsy: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Procedural sedation is increasingly used for elderly patients, but there is no established ideal method for elderly patients who are prone to respiratory and circulatory depression. This study aims to investigate the association of respiratory complications and the combination of ketamine-propofol versus fentanyl-propofol in elderly patients undergoing prostate biopsy requiring deep sedation.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study conducted from April 2020 to March 2021. We included male patients aged 65 years and older scheduled for prostate biopsy under procedural sedation. Ketamine-propofol and fentanyl-propofol were administered at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. The primary outcome was the need for assisted ventilation. The secondary outcome was the duration of oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 90%.

RESULTS

We enrolled 120 patients over 65 years, and 92 patients were included in the final analysis. The anesthesiologist administered an initial dose of ketamine and propofol of 1:1 to 1:4 of 1.0 mg kg-1 (interquartile range: 0.98 to 1.17) or administered an initial dose of fentanyl of 0.05 to 0.1 mg and a target-controlled infusion of propofol of 2.8 μg ml-1 (interquartile range: 2.0 to 3.0) followed by additional doses at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Ketamine-propofol was associated with a reduced need for assisted ventilation and a shorter duration of SpO2 below 90% than propofol-fentanyl (95.7% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.05; 0.64 minutes vs. 0.17 minutes, P = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine-propofol is associated with a significantly reduced need for assisted ventilation compared to propofol-fentanyl during procedural sedation and analgesia for procedures requiring deep sedation for the elderly.

Safety and efficacy of the combination of esketamine and propofol in procedural sedation/analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the side effects and efficacy of esketamine combined with propofol in procedural sedation and analgesia.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies occurring between their inceptions and September 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of sedation-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes included recovery time, total consumption of propofol and body movement.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Data from a total of seven RCTs enrolling 808 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooling of data showed that compared with other drug regimens, the esketamine and propofol combination was associated with a reduction in the risk of hypotension (relative risk [RR]: 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25 to 0.56) and bradycardia (RR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.80) as well as an increase in the risk of agitation (RR: 6.29, 95% CI: 1.15 to 34.32). The results also indicated a decrease in propofol consumption (standardized mean difference: -1.45, 95% CI: -2.39 to -0.50) with the use of the esketamine and propofol combination. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in respiratory depression, nausea/vomiting, recovery time or body movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Esketamine combined with propofol has an advantage in reducing the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia during procedural sedation and analgesia, but it may increase the risk of agitation in the recovery phase. More studies of high quality are needed before the widespread adoption of the combination of esketamine and propofol.

Efficacy and safety comparison of esketamine-propofol with nalbuphine-propofol for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children: a multi-center randomized controlled trial

Background and Aims

Anesthetics such as propofol, esketamine and nalbuphine are used during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to achieve and maintain the desired sedation level. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of propofol-nalbuphine and propofol-esketamine in children.

Methods

A multi-centered study was performed at three tertiary class-A hospitals. Children between 3 and 12 years old undergoing diagnostic painless upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included and randomly divided into esketamine or nalbuphine group to estimate the primary outcome of successful endoscope insertion. The patients were given esketamine 0.5 mg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg intravenously in esketamine group, with nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg in the nalbuphine group. The primary outcome was success rate for the first attempt of endoscope insertion in each group. Secondary outcomes included the safety of both anesthesia regimens and gastroenterologist's satisfaction. We used the Face, Leg, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale to evaluate the level of pain before and during the procedure and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale to assess the level of agitation and delirium after awakening from anesthesia.

Results

Among 246 patients, 200 were randomly included in the final intention-to-treat analysis, with 100 patients in each group. The success rate for the first attempt of endoscope insertion in the esketamine group was higher than the nalbuphine group (97% vs. 66%; P < 0.01). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure after intraoperative administration in the esketamine group were higher than those in the nalbuphine group, while the delirium incidence during awakening was higher in esketamine group (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The success rate for the first attempt of endoscope insertion of children undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the esketamine group was higher than the nalbuphine group, propofol-related hemodynamic changes were reduced accordingly, while the incidence of esketamine-related adverse effects could be high.

Clinical Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040500.

Effects of ketamine-induced H3K9 hypoacetylation during pregnancy on cardiogenesis of mouse offspring

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to adverse factors can cause congenital heart defects. Ketamine, a widely used anesthetic drug, produces several adverse reactions such as tachycardia, hypertension, and laryngospasm, especially in pediatric patients. This study aimed to detect the effects of ketamine exposure during pregnancy on the cardiogenesis of mouse offspring and the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, ketamine at an addictive dose (5 mg/kg) was administered to mice during early gestation to explore the epigenetic mechanism of its causing cardiac dysplasia. The cardiac morphology of the mouse offspring was observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. The heart function of one-month-old neonates was detected by echocardiography. The expression of cardiomyogenesis-related genes was detected by western blot and RT-qPCR. The acetylation level of histone H3K9 at the Mlc2 promoter and its deacetylase level and activity were detected by CHIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR, and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that ketamine exposure during pregnancy could cause cardiac enlargement, myocardial sarcomere disorganization, and decreased cardiac contractile function in mouse offspring. Moreover, ketamine reduced the expression of Myh6, Myh7, Mlc2, Mef2c, and cTnI. The histone H3K9 acetylation level at the Mlc2 promoter was down-regulated by increasing the histone deacetylase activity and HDAC3 level upon ketamine administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work indicates that H3K9 acetylation is a vital player in cardiac dysplasia in offspring caused by prenatal ketamine exposure and HDAC3 is a key regulatory factor.

Guedel oropharyngeal airway: The validation of facial landmark-distances to estimate sizing in children - Visualisation by magnetic resonance imaging (GUEDEL-I): A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To validate the ERC-recommended facial landmark-distance for oropharyngeal airway sizing in children.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study in anaesthetised, spontaneously breathing children ≤12 years undergoing cranial MRI. Oropharyngeal airways were inserted following the distance from the maxillary incisors to the mandibular angle. Primary outcome was the rate of properly sized oropharyngeal airways on MRI, defined as the distal end positioned within 10 mm from the epiglottis without contacting it. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of tongue protrusion, oropharyngeal airways clinical efficacy, and related adverse events. Furthermore, we calculated probabilities for the estimation of proper size when considering five facial landmark-distances and optimal rules based on biometric parameters.

RESULTS

In 94 children with a mean (SD) age of 4.7 (±3) years, 47.9% [95%-CI 38%-57.9%] oropharyngeal airways were properly sized, while 23.4% [95%-CI 15.9%-33%] were undersized, and 28.7% [95%-CI 20.5%-38.7%] oversized. Tongue protrusion occurred in 59.1% [95%-CI 38.2%-77.2%] of undersized and 15.6% [95%-CI 7.6%-29.2%] of properly sized oropharyngeal airways. No oropharyngeal airway required replacement. Comparing probabilities for five landmark-distances, "maxillary incisors to the angle of the mandible" proved superior for proper sizing at 41.2% [95%-CI 32%-51.7%]. The best-fit formula was "22.43 + 17.54 × log(weight[kg])" with a probability of 61.7% [95%-CI 51.5%-70.9%].

CONCLUSION

Although the facial landmark-distance "maxillary incisors to the angle of the mandible" does not reliably predict oropharyngeal airway size, no clinical problems have been encountered. Since it can be considered the least inaccurate facial landmark-distance, it can serve as an approximation, but the efficacy of oropharyngeal airways should be evaluated clinically.

REGISTERED CLINICAL TRIAL

German Clinical Trials Register; DRKS00025918.

Inducción Anestésica: Propofol, Ketamina o Ketofol ¿Cuándo utilizarlos?

Introducción: La anestesia general se subdivide en diferentes etapas donde una de las más importantes es la etapa de la inducción anestésica y los fármacos que se utilizan en ella, siendo el Propofol y la Ketamina los más nombrados Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de las propiedades farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas de estos dos medicamentos, para la toma de decisiones sobre en qué situaciones debería usarse cada uno de ellos o de forma concomitante Materiales y métodos: Se realizaron 4 búsquedas separadas en la base de datos de PUBMED, obteniendo un total de 27 bibliografías utilizadas para la revisión. Resultados: El propofol es un agente hipnótico útil para procedimientos cortos, en pacientes estables hemodinámicamente. La ketamina tiene un perfil farmacodinámico ideal para pacientes con inestabilidad hemodinámica. El ketofol es una alternativa que logra adecuado sinergismo permitiendo mantener los beneficios de cada uno de estos medicamentos y disminuyendo la probabilidad de efectos adversos. Conclusión: Dependiendo de la cirugía que se vaya a realizar y de la estabilidad hemodinámica de cada paciente se puede preferir un medicamento sobre otro.

Ketamine modulates neural stem cell differentiation by regulating TRPC3 expression through the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway

Ketamine, a popular anesthetic, is often abused by people for its hallucinogenic effect. Thus, the safety of ketamine in pediatric populations has been called into question for potential neurotoxic effects. However, ketamine also has neuroprotective effects in many brain injury models. The differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) was influenced significantly by ketamine, but the molecular mechanism is still unclear. NSCs were extracted from the hippocampi of postnatal day 1 rats and treated with ketamine to induce NSCs differentiation. Our results found that ketamine promoted neuronal differentiation of NSCs dose-dependently in a small dose range (P < 0.001). The main types of neurons from NSCs were cholinergic (51 ± 4 %; 95 % CI: 41-61 %) and glutamatergic neurons (34 ± 3 %; 95 % CI: 27-42 %). Furthermore, we performed RNA sequencing to promise a more comprehensive understanding of the molecules regulated by ketamine. Finally, we combined bioimaging and multiple molecular biology techniques to clarify that ketamine influences NSC differentiation by regulating transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) expressions. Ketamine dramatically repressed TRPC3 expression (MD [95 % CI]=0.67 [0.40-0.95], P < 0.001) with a significant increase of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β; MD [95 % CI]=1.00 [0.74-1.27], P < 0.001) and a decrease of β-catenin protein expression (MD [95 % CI]=0.60 [0.32-0.89], P = 0.001), thereby promoting the differentiation of NSCs into neurons and inhibiting their differentiation into astrocytes. These results suggest that TRPC3 is necessary for ketamine to modulate NSC differentiation, which occurs partly via regulation of the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.

Ulinastatin Alleviates Repetitive Ketamine Exposure-Evoked Cognitive Impairment in Adolescent Mice

Ketamine (KET) is widely used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, and long-term use is required for treatment of depression patients. Repeated use of KET is associated with mood and memory disorders. Ulinastatin (UTI), a urinary trypsin inhibitor, has been widely undertaken as an anti-inflammatory drug and proved to have neuroprotective effects. The aim of this work was to determine whether prophylactic use of UTI could attenuate KET-induced cognitive impairment. It was found that repetitive KET anesthesia cause cognitive and emotional disorders in adolescent mice in WMZ and OFT test, while UTI pretreatment reversed the poor performance compared to the AK group, and the platform finding time and center crossing time were obviously short in the CK+UTI group (P < 0.05). Our ELISA experiment results discovered that UTI pretreatment reduced the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 induced by CK anesthesia compared to AK (P < 0.05). In addition, UTI pretreatment protected the cognitive function by restraining the expression levels of Tau protein, Tau phospho-396 protein, and Aβ protein in the CK group compared to the AK group in Western blotting (P < 0.05). The results suggested that UTI could act as a new strategy to prevent the neurotoxicity of KET, revealing a significant neuroprotective effect of UTI.

Sedation-analgesia techniques for nonoperating room anesthesia: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There has been a substantial increase in nonoperating room anesthesia procedures over the years along with an increase in the complexity and severity of cases. These procedures pose unique challenges for anesthesia providers requiring meticulous planning and attention to detail. Advancements in the delivery of sedation and analgesia in this setting will help anesthesia providers navigate these challenges and improve patient safety and outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been a renewed interest in the development of newer sedative and analgesic drugs and delivery systems that can safely provide anesthesia care in challenging situations and circumstances.

SUMMARY

Delivery of anesthesia care in nonoperating room locations is associated with significant challenges. The advent of sedative and analgesic drugs that can be safely used in situations where monitoring capabilities are limited in conjunction with delivery systems, that can incorporate unique patient characteristics and ensure the safe delivery of these drugs, has the potential to improve patient safety and outcomes. Further research is needed in these areas to develop newer drugs and delivery systems.

Efficacy and safety of the combination of propofol and S(+)-ketamine for procedural sedation in pediatric patients undergoing totally implantable venous access port implantation: A prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation is usually performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in children. Procedural sedation without endotracheal intubation has been applied to minor pediatric surgeries like central venous catheter insertion. To explore a more efficient and less invasive anesthesia mode to implant TIVAPs for children, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of procedural sedation using propofol and S(+)-ketamine compared with general anesthesia.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients aged 6 months to 10 years undergoing TIVAP implantation were randomly allocated to two groups. Patients under procedural sedation [S(+)-ketamine-propofol (sketofol) group] were given target-controlled infusion of propofol 4 μg/ml using the Paedfusor model and S(+)-ketamine 0.5 mg/kg as induction, and had target-controlled infusion of propofol 3-4 μg/ml as maintenance. Patients in sketofol group received medium-flow oxygen inhalation through facemasks during surgery. Patients under general anesthesia (control group) were given propofol 2 mg/kg, cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg, fentanyl 3 μg/kg as induction, and sevoflurane 0.8 minimum alveolar concentration as maintenance after endotracheal intubation. Primary outcome was the postoperative emergence agitation evaluated 5 min after awakening.

RESULTS

Postoperative emergence agitation evaluated 5 min after awakening was lower in sketofol group versus control group [1.0 (0.5, 1.0) vs. 3.0 (2.0, 4.0); median difference (95% CI): 2.0 (1.0, 2.0); P < 0.001]. Time to awakening was significantly lower in sketofol group versus control group [15.0 (5.0, 23.0) vs. 26.0 (20.5, 37.5); median difference (95% CI): 11.0 (7.0, 19.0); P < 0.001], as well as time to discharge from post anesthesia care unit [35.0 (24.0, 45.0) vs. 45.0 (37.5, 59.5); median difference (95% CI): 10.0 (10.0, 23.0); P < 0.001]. Postoperative complications or adverse events were not reported in sketofol group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, procedural sedation using propofol and S(+)-ketamine improves the postoperative emergence agitation right after the recovery of consciousness, and has advantage in shortening anesthetic recovery time for pediatric patients undergoing TIVAP implantation.

Incidence of Adverse Effects of Propofol for Procedural Sedation/Anesthesia in the Pediatric Emergency Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the incidence of adverse effects of propofol among pediatric population for sedation or anesthesia.

METHODS

We performed Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases to research relevant literature. We did sensitivity analysis to assess the incidence of adverse effects of propofol among pediatric population for sedation or anesthesia.

RESULTS

In 132 studies, eight RCTs were included in this analysis. The result showed that adverse events (bradypnea, hypotension, hypertension, and apnea) were significantly improved in the pediatric emergency population in the propofol group, but it had no effect on the incidence of cough attacks, desaturation, agitation, stridor, and laryngospasm. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that those who received propofol for had decreased adverse effects compared with the patients who received ketamine treatment (SMD = 0.44, 95%CI = [0.28, 0.67], I 2 = 0%, and P = 0.0002), which demonstrated that propofol could decrease the incidence of adverse effects compared with ketamine and ketofol.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that propofol may decrease the incidence of bradypnea, hypotension, hypertension, and apnea, but it had no effect on the incidence of cough attacks, desaturation, agitation, stridor, and laryngospasm. Furthermore, more large RCTs are needed to assess incidence of adverse effects of propofol among pediatric population.

Dexmedetomidine in combination with ketamine for pediatric procedural sedation or premedication: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effectiveness of combinational use of dexmedetomidine and ketamine (DEX-KET) for pediatric procedural sedation or premedication.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified after a literature search in electronic databases and study selection was based on precise eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses of mean differences were performed to examine differences in sedation onset and recovery times between DEX-KET and comparators. Changes from baseline in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), were pooled. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed to estimate incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

15 studies (1087 patients) were included. Onset of sedation was significantly shorter in DEX-KET than in DEX group. HR declined in DEX-KET group from start (-3.5 beats per minute (BPM) [95% CI: -5.1, -1.9]) through midpoint (-7.2 BPM [95% CI: -12.1, -2.3]) and at end of sedation (-8.7 BPM [95% CI: -13.1, -4.4]). Decrease in HR after DEX administration at start was -11.6 BPM [95% CI: -16.0, -7.1] and remained consistent afterward. There was no change in MAP during DEX-KET sedation. However, after DEX administration, MAP decreased by -6.9 [95% CI: -10.4, -3.3] at start, -7.8 [95% CI: -11.4, -4.2] at middle, and by -6.6 [95% CI: -14.4, 1.1] at end of sedation. Incidence of hypotension was 3% [95% CI: 0, 9] in DEX-KET, 7% [95% CI: 2, 14] in DEX, and 0% [95% CI: 0, 2] in KET groups. Incidence of bradycardia was 2% [95% CI: 0, 6] with DEX-KET and 12% [95% CI: 5, 20] with DEX. Incidence of oxygen desaturation was 3% [95% CI: 0, 8] in DEX-KET, 2% [95% CI: 0, 6] in DEX, 12% [95% CI: 5, 20] in KET, and 13% [95% CI: 6, 21] in PROP-KET groups. MIDA-KET sedation had 13% [95% CI: 4, 25] incidence of tachycardia.

CONCLUSIONS

DEX-KET for pediatric sedation results in better sedation outcomes than DEX or KET by shortening onset of sedation and recovery while maintaining hemodynamic and respiratory stability with low incidence of adverse events. DEX sedation was associated with higher incidence of bradycardia. Higher incidence of oxygen desaturation was observed with KET and PROP-KET whereas MIDA-KET was associated with higher incidence of tachycardia.