The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge and Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dexmedetomidine versus propofol for postoperative recovery after cardiac surgery: a historical cohort study

PURPOSE

The impact of postoperative dexmedetomidine sedation on outcomes following cardiac surgery remains controversial. We sought to compare postoperative sedation techniques with dexmedetomidine vs propofol infusions on postoperative recovery outcomes following cardiac surgery to assess whether dexmedetomidine is associated with longer time to achieve recovery milestones.

METHODS

In this historical cohort study, we abstracted the electronic medical records of a convenience sample of cardiac surgery patients either receiving dexmedetomidine (0.5-1.5 µg·kg-1·hr-1) or propofol (5-80 µg·kg-1·min-1) infusions for postoperative sedation. The study period included time periods where the standard postoperative sedation practice included dexmedetomidine (March 2019-January 2022) or propofol (January 2022-June 2022) infusions. Measured outcomes for both groups included time to tracheal extubation and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Two thousand and sixty-five patients receiving dexmedetomidine and 510 patients receiving propofol were included. Postoperative sedation after cardiac surgery with dexmedetomidine was associated with a 1.8-hr longer time to tracheal extubation than propofol (98.3% confidence interval, 1.5 to 2.1; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine administration for postoperative sedation in a convenience sample of over 2,000 cardiac surgery patients was associated with a longer time to tracheal extubation than propofol.

A new strategy for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage: Ferroptosis

Intracerebral hemorrhage, is a cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Due to the lack of effective clinical treatments, the development of new drugs to treat intracerebral hemorrhage is necessary. In recent years, ferroptosis has been found to play an important role in the pathophysiological process of intracerebral hemorrhage, which can be treated by inhibiting ferroptosis and thus intracerebral hemorrhage. This article aims to explain the mechanism of ferroptosis and its relationship to intracerebral hemorrhage. In the meantime, it briefly discusses the molecules identified to alleviate intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting ferroptosis, along with other clinical agents that are expected to treat intracerebral hemorrhage through this mechanism. In addition, a brief overview of the morphological alterations of different forms of cell death and their role in ICH is provided. Finally, the challenges that may arise in translating ferroptosis inhibitors from basic research to clinical use are presented. This article serves as a reference and provides insights to aid in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in the clinic.

Determination of the ED90 of Dexmedetomidine Infusion to Prevent Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Dental Rehabilitation With Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Biased-Coin Up-and-Down Sequential Allocation Trial

BACKGROUND

Emergence agitation (EA) is an adverse complication during early recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia. Continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) is commonly used for EA prevention. However, a wide dose range is used for preventing EA, and the optimal dose remains unknown. This study was aimed at determining the optimal dose (the 90% effective dose [ED90]) of DEX for continuous intraoperative infusion for EA prevention in children.

METHODS

We enrolled children aged 3 to 7 years who underwent dental treatment under sevoflurane anesthesia. DEX was continuously infused from the time of the establishment of the intravenous access until 5 minutes before the end of surgery. The initial DEX dose was 0.5 µg/kg/h, and subsequent dose adjustments were determined based on the response of the previous patient by using an up-down sequential allocation with a biased-coin design. The primary outcome was the ED90 for continuous DEX infusion based on the success or failure of the EA-preventing dose.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The DEX dose ranged from 0.50 to 0.90 µg/kg/h. The estimated ED90 (95% confidence interval [CI]) for preventing EA was 0.74 µg/kg/h (0.67-1.05 µg/kg/h). The duration of surgery (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was 113 ± 30 minutes. The times (mean ± SD) for extubation, time to emergence, and recovery time were 5 ± 2 minutes, 27 ± 9 minutes, and 39 ± 7 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ED90 for continuous intraoperative DEX infusion for EA prevention in pediatric patients receiving dental treatment under sevoflurane anesthesia was 0.74 µg/kg/h (95% CI, 0.67-1.05 µg/kg/h).

Evaluation of Postoperative Discomfort After Strabismus Surgery Under General Anesthesia in Children: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose

Strabismus surgery is most commonly performed on children under general anesthesia. However, few studies have focused on the postoperative discomfort in children after strabismus surgery. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative discomfort and the associated risk factors in children who underwent strabismus surgery under general anesthesia.

Patients and Methods

A single-center prospective observational study including 300 children who underwent strabismus surgery after general anesthesia was conducted. Patients' characteristics, preoperative anxiety, surgical and anesthesia data, discomfort within 24 hours after postanesthesia care unit were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative discomfort.

Results

Approximately 51.33% of the children complained of at least one of the following types of postoperative discomfort: postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (23.00%), headache (4.33%), dizziness (20.33%) and emergence agitation (EA) (5.33%). Multivariate analysis indicated that history of motion sickness (P<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=3.72), and surgery in the dominant eye (P=0.010, OR=2.00) were independent predictors of postoperative discomfort; age was an independent predictor of EA (P<0.001, OR=0.36); prism diopter≥40 was an independent predictor of headache (P=0.005, OR=5.53); age (P=0.020, OR=1.12) and history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.80) were independent predictors of dizziness; history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.63) and surgery of inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) (P=0.004, OR=3.10) were independent predictors of PONV.

Conclusion

The most frequent postoperative symptoms in children after undergoing strabismus surgery under general anesthesia are PONV, dizziness, EA, and headache. Younger age, larger angle of strabismus, history of motion sickness, surgery on the dominant eye, and surgery of IOAT may be additional risk factors for postoperative discomfort.

Opioid-free anesthesia with esketamine-dexmedetomidine versus opioid-based anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

OFA (Opioid-free anesthesia) has the potential to reduce the occurrence of opioid-related adverse events and enhance postoperative recovery. Our research aimed to investigate whether OFA, combining esketamine and dexmedetomidine, could serve as an alternative protocol to traditional OBA (opioid-based anesthesia) in shoulder arthroscopy, particularly in terms of reducing PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting).

METHODS

A total of 60 patients treated with shoulder arthroscopy from September 2021 to September 2022 were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to the OBA group (n = 30) and OFA group (n = 30), receiving propofol-remifentanil TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) and esketamine-dexmedetomidine intravenous anesthesia, respectively. Both groups received ultrasound-guided ISBPB(interscalene brachial plexus block)for postoperative analgesia.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV on the first postoperative day in the ward (13.3% vs. 40%, P < 0.05) was significantly lower in the OFA group than in the OBA group. Moreover, the severity of PONV was less severe in the OFA group than in the OBA group in PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) (0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 3], P<0.05 ) and in the ward 24 h postoperatively ( 0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 2.25], P<0.05). Additionally, the OFA group experienced a significantly shorter length of stay in the PACU compared to the OBA group (39.4 ± 6.76 min vs. 48.7 ± 7.90 min, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the OBA with propofol-remifentanil, the OFA with esketamine- dexmedetomidine proved to be feasible for shoulder arthroscopy, resulting in a reduced incidence of PONV and a shorter duration of stay in the PACU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR2100047355), 12/06/2021.

Is the Use of Dexmedetomidine Upon Emergence From Anesthesia Associated With Neck Hematoma Formation Following Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective alpha-2-receptor agonist, and its use has not been well studied in major microvascular reconstructive surgery of the head and neck.

PURPOSE

The purpose is to measure the association between DEX and neck hematoma formation in subjects undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgery.

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE

The investigators implemented a retrospective cohort study on subjects undergoing microvascular head and neck reconstruction for benign and malignant pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2014 to 2021. Patients with unresectable tumors were excluded.

PREDICTOR VARIABLE

The predictor variable was the intraoperative use of DEX upon emergence from general anesthesia. Subjects received standard anesthetic drugs and DEX, while control subjects received only standard anesthetic drugs.

MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S)

The primary outcome was postoperative neck hematoma formation necessitating a return to the operating theater. The secondary outcome was the length of stay (LOS).

COVARIATES

The covariates were demographic, operative, and oral morphine equivalents of anesthesia drugs.

ANALYSES

Bivariate analyses were performed using the Student's t-test and the χ2 test for continuous and categorical variables. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess for associations between DEX and the outcomes adjusted for confounding variables when present. P values of < .05 were regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 297 subjects (mean age, 59.6 years, and standard deviation [SD], 14.9) with 61.6% male received DEX, and 304 subjects (mean age, 58.9 years, and SD, 14.6) with 60.2% male served as controls (P > .5). A total of 11 postoperative neck hematoma occurred in the control group when compared to 2 in the DEX (relative risk = 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 24, P = .02). The mean LOS was 7.7 (SD, 4.3) and 9.4 (SD, 8.1) for the DEX and control groups (95% CI, 0.7 to 2.8, P < .01). After adjusting for tobacco history, tracheostomy, and neck dissection, DEX (Beta coefficient (B) = -1.7, 95% CI -2.7 to -0.7, P < .01) and neck dissection (B = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4, P < .01) were statistically associated with LOS.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The use of intraoperative DEX upon emergence from general anesthesia was associated with lower postoperative neck hematoma formation and a shorter length of stay following microvascular head and neck reconstruction.

Development and Validation of a Clinical Model for Predicting Delay in Postoperative Transfer Out of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

We aimed to analyze the factors related to delay in transfer of patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and to develop and validate a prediction model for understanding these factors to guide precise clinical intervention.

Methods

We collected data from two cohorts of 1153 and 297 patients who underwent surgery and were treated in the PACU at two time points. We examined their clinical features and anesthesia care data using analytical methods such as logistic regression, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (Xgboost) to screen out variables and establish a prediction model. We then validated and simplified the model and plotted a nomogram. Using LASSO regression, we reduced the dimensionality of the data. We developed multiple models and plotted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves. We then constructed a simplified model by pooling the identified variables, which included hemoglobin (HB), alanine transaminase (ALT), glucose levels, duration of anesthesia, and the minimum bispectral index value (BIS_min).

Results

The model had good prediction performance parameters in the training and validation sets, with an AUC of 0.909 (0.887-0.932) in the training set and 0.939 (0.919-0.959) in the validation set. When we compared model 6 with other models, the net reclassification index (NRI) and the integrated discriminant improvement (IDI) index indicated that it did not differ significantly from the other models. We developed a scoring system, and it showed good prediction performance when verified with the training and validation sets as well as external data. Additionally, both the decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) demonstrated the potential clinical efficacy of the model in guiding patient interventions.

Conclusion

Predicting transfer delays in the post-anesthesia care unit using predictive models is feasible; however, this merits further exploration.

[Effects of Dexmedetomidine on the Recovery Quality of Donors Undergoing Pure Laparoscopic Donor Hepatectomy]

Objective

To investigate the effects of intraoperative intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the recovery quality of donors undergoing pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy.

Methods

A total of 56 liver donors who were going to undergo scheduled pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups, a DEX group ( n=28) and a control group ( n=28). Donors in the DEX group received DEX infusion at a dose of 1 μg/kg over 15 minutes through a continuous pump, which was followed by DEX at 0.4 μg/(kg·h) until the disconnection of the portal branch. Donors in the control group were given an equal volume of 0.9% normal saline at the same infusion rate and over the same period of time as those of the dex infusion in the DEX group. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation (EA). The Aono's Four-point Scale (AFPS) score was used to assess EA. The secondary observation indicators included intraoperative anesthesia and surgery conditions, spontaneous respiration recovery time, recovery time, extubation time, scores for the Ramsay Sedation Scale, the incidence of chills, numeric rating scale (NRS) score for pain, and blood pressure and heart rate after extubation.

Results

The incidence of EA was 10.7% and 39.3% in the DEX group and the control group, respectively, and the incidence of EA was significantly lower in the DEX group than that in the control group ( P=0.014). The APFS scores after extubation in the DEX group were lower than those in the control group (1 [1, 1] vs. 2 [1, 3], P=0.005). Compared to the control group, the dosages of intraoperative propofol and remifentanil were significantly reduced in the DEX group ( P<0.05). During the recovery period, the number of donors requiring additional boluses of analgesia, the blood pressure, and the heart rate were all lower in the DEX group than those in the control group ( P<0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the spontaneous respiration recovery time, recovery time, extubation time, the incidence of chills, NRS score, scores for the Ramsay Sedation Scale, and the length-of-stay in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

DEX can reduce the incidence of EA after pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy and improve the quality of recovery without prolonging postoperative recovery time or extubation time.

Efficacy of adjuvant dexmedetomidine on penile block for pediatric hypospadias repair

INTRODUCTION

The management of postoperative pain, particularly in younger children, presents a challenge due to their limited ability to articulate the intensity of pain, lower pain threshold, and restricted availability of approved analgesics for pediatric use. Peripheral nerve blocks may be favored over neuraxial blocks because they allow quicker mobilization after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to investigate the potential impact of adding dexmedetomidine to a local anesthetic (bupivacaine) on the analgesic efficacy in dorsal penile nerve block in hypospadias repair surgery.

METHOD

In this prospective double-blinded clinical trial, 50 children aged between 6 months and 6 years old undergoing hypospadias repair surgery participated. Analgesia was administered through a dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) at the end of surgery. Participants were divided into two groups; one received bupivacaine alone, and the other received dexmedetomidine and bupivacaine in DPNB. Pain and sedation levels were assessed with FLACC score and MOAA/S score, respectively, at 0,1,2 and 4 h after surgery. Vital signs and adverse effects were also recorded, including hemodynamic changes, nausea, and vomiting.

RESULT

There was no statistically significant difference in demographic variables. As illustrated in Figure, the median of FLACC score in group BD was significantly lower compared to group B at every measured time point. MOAA/S score was significantly lower in group BD than in group B (p < 0.001), indicating a higher sedation level. None of the participants in either group experienced any adverse effect except for vomiting, which was not statistically significant (8 % in group B vs. 4 % in group BD, p > 0.999).

DISCUSSION

Several studies have documented the supplementary analgesic properties of dexmedetomidine when used in conjunction with local anesthetic during various surgical procedures and nerve blocks. The present study provides evidence for the additional analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine and bupivacaine in the context of dorsal penile nerve block during hypospadias repair surgery while not yielding any significant adverse outcomes. Although the patients in our study were monitored for 4 h in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), conducting a more comprehensive assessment of patients is advisable.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study indicate that incorporating dexmedetomidine alongside bupivacaine in dorsal penile nerve block during hypospadias repair surgery may lead to enhanced management of postoperative pain. The lack of adverse effects implies it may be a potentially safe supplementary pain reliever for surgical procedures.

Dexmedetomidine - An Alternative to Midazolam in the Treatment of Ketamine-Induced Emergence Delirium: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Analyze the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine compared to midazolam for the treatment of ketamine-induced emergence delirium in noncardiac surgical patients.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)22 were used for this review. PubMed, Cumulative Index To Nursing And Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, National Institute of Health clinical trials, Google Scholar, and gray literature were searched for relevant studies. Only peer-reviewed nonexperimental studies, quasi-experimental studies, and randomized control trials with or without meta-analysis were included. The evidence was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice guidelines for quality ratings and evidence level.

FINDINGS

Five blinded randomized controlled trials, three quasi-experimental studies, and two retrospective nonexperimental studies comprised of 1,024 subjects were evaluated for this review. Dexmedetomidine was more effective at reducing ketamine-induced delirium in adult patients, although midazolam attenuated the psychomimetic effects of ketamine better in pediatric patients. Furthermore, postanesthesia care unit discharge times were similar between patients treated with dexmedetomidine and midazolam. The studies in this review were categorized as Level I, Level II, or Level III and rated Grade A, implying strong confidence in the actual effects of dexmedetomidine in all outcome measures of the review.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that dexmedetomidine is an effective alternative for alleviating ketamine-induced delirium in noncardiac adult surgical patients. Multiple studies in this review noted improved hemodynamics and reduced postoperative analgesic requirements after administration of dexmedetomidine in conjunction with ketamine.

Tracheal extubation under Narcotrend EEG monitoring at different depths of anesthesia after tonsillectomy in children: a prospective randomized controlled study

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether tracheal extubation at different depths of anesthesia using Narcotrend EEG (NT value) can influence the recovery quality from anesthesia and cognitive function of children who underwent tonsillotomy.

Methods

The study enrolled 152 children who underwent tonsillotomy and were anesthetized with endotracheal intubation in our hospital from September 2019 to March 2022. These patients were divided into Group A (conscious group, NT range of 95-100), Group B (light sedation group, NT range of 80-94), and Group C (conventional sedation group, NT range of 65-79). A neonatal pain assessment tool, namely, face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC), was used to compare the pain scores of the three groups as the primary end point. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scales were used to evaluate the cognitive function of children in the three groups before and after surgery as the secondary end points.

Results

Differences were observed in the awakening time and FLACC scores after awakening among the three groups (P < 0.05). Among them, Group A exhibited a significantly shorter awakening time and higher FLACC score after awakening than those in Groups B and C (both P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in Group B was significantly lower than that in Groups A and C (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in MMSE and MoCA scores before the operation and at 7 days after the operation among the three groups (P > 0.05), but a significant difference was found in MMSE and MoCA scores at 1 day and 3 days after the operation among the three groups (P < 0.05). In addition, MMSE and MoCA scores of the three groups decreased significantly at 1 day and 3 days after the operation than those at 1 day before the operation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

When the NT value of tonsillectomy is between 80 and 94, tracheal catheter removal can effectively improve the recovery quality and postoperative cognitive dysfunction of children.

Effect of opioid-free versus opioid-based strategies during multimodal anaesthesia on postoperative morphine consumption after bariatric surgery: a randomised double-blind clinical trial

Background

The efficacy and safety of opioid-free anaesthesia during bariatric surgery remain debated, particularly when administering multimodal analgesia. As multimodal analgesia has become the standard of care in many centres, we aimed to determine if such a strategy coupled with either dexmedetomidine (opioid-free anaesthesia) or remifentanil with a morphine transition (opioid-based anaesthesia), would reduce postoperative morphine requirements and opioid-related adverse events.

Methods

In this prospective double-blind study, 172 class III obese patients having laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were randomly allocated to receive either sevoflurane-dexmedetomidine anaesthesia with a continuous infusion of lidocaine and ketamine (opioid-free group) or sevoflurane-remifentanil anaesthesia with a morphine transition (opioid-based group). Both groups received at anaesthesia induction a bolus of magnesium, lidocaine, ketamine, paracetamol, diclofenac, and dexamethasone. The primary outcome was 24-h postoperative morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes included postoperative quality of recovery (QoR40), incidence of hypoxaemia, bradycardia, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

Eighty-six patients were recruited in each group (predominantly women, 70% had obstructive sleep apnoea). There was no significant difference in postoperative morphine consumption (median [inter-quartile range]: 16 [13-26] vs 15 [10-24] mg, P=0.183). The QoR40 up to postoperative day 30 did not differ between groups, but PONV was less frequent in the opioid-free group (37% vs 59%, P=0.005). Hypoxaemia and bradycardia were not different between groups.

Conclusions

During bariatric surgery, a multimodal opioid-free anaesthesia technique did not decrease postoperative morphine consumption when compared with a multimodal opioid-based strategy. Quality of recovery did not differ between groups although the incidence of PONV was less in the opioid-free group.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05004519.

Effects of opioid-free anaesthesia compared with balanced general anaesthesia on nausea and vomiting after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-centre randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) has emerged as a promising approach for mitigating the adverse effects associated with opioids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of OFA on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following video-assisted thoracic surgery.

DESIGN

Single-centre randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery were recruited from September 2021 to June 2022.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly allocated to OFA or traditional general anaesthesia with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PONV within 48 hours post-surgery, and the secondary outcomes included PONV severity, postoperative pain, haemodynamic changes during anaesthesia, and length of stay (LOS) in the recovery ward and hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 86 and 88 patients were included in the OFA and control groups, respectively. Two patients were excluded because of severe adverse events including extreme bradycardia and epilepsy-like convulsion. The incidence and severity of PONV did not significantly differ between the two groups (29 patients (33.0%) in the control group and 22 patients (25.6%) in the OFA group; relative risk 0.78, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.23; p=0.285). Notably, the OFA approach used was associated with an increase in heart rate (89±17 vs 77±15 beats/min, t-test: p<0.001; U test: p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (87±17 vs 80±13 mm Hg, t-test: p=0.003; U test: p=0.004) after trachea intubation. Conversely, the control group exhibited more median hypotensive events per patient (mean 0.5±0.8 vs 1.0±2.0, t-test: p=0.02; median 0 (0-4) vs 0 (0-15), U test: p=0.02) during surgery. Postoperative pain scores, and LOS in the recovery ward and hospital did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings suggest that the implementation of OFA does not effectively reduce the incidence of PONV following thoracic surgery when compared with traditional total intravenous anaesthesia. The opioid-free strategy used in our study may be associated with severe adverse cardiovascular events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2100050738.

Electroencephalographic spectrogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia using dexmedetomidine and propofol prevents unnecessary anesthetic dosing during craniotomy: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

The bispectral index (BIS) may be unreliable to gauge anesthetic depth when dexmedetomidine is administered. By comparison, the electroencephalogram (EEG) spectrogram enables the visualization of the brain response during anesthesia and may prevent unnecessary anesthetic consumption.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 140 adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy who received total intravenous anesthesia using a combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine infusions. Patients were equally matched to the spectrogram group (maintaining the robust EEG alpha power during surgery) or the index group (maintaining the BIS score between 40 and 60 during surgery) based on the propensity score of age and surgical type. The primary outcome was the propofol dose. Secondary outcome was the postoperative neurological profile.

RESULTS

Patients in the spectrogram group received significantly less propofol (1585 ± 581 vs. 2314 ± 810 mg, P < 0.001). Fewer patients in the spectrogram group exhibited delayed emergence (1.4% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.033). The postoperative delirium profile was similar between the groups (profile P = 0.227). Patients in the spectrogram group exhibited better in-hospital Barthel's index scores changes (admission state: 83.6 ± 27.6 vs. 91.6 ± 17.1; discharge state: 86.4 ± 24.3 vs. 85.1 ± 21.5; group-time interaction P = 0.008). However, the incidence of postoperative neurological complications was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EEG spectrogram-guided anesthesia prevents unnecessary anesthetic consumption during elective craniotomy. This may also prevent delayed emergence and improve postoperative Barthel index scores.

Regional Anesthesia for Arthroscopic Knee Repair in a Patient With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) Under Monitored Anesthesia Care With Dexmedetomidine Infusion

Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) who are scheduled for elective, noncardiac surgery present a distinctive challenge for perioperative healthcare providers. The use of general anesthesia and neuraxial anesthesia carries the risk of unpredictable hemodynamic changes and potential complications. Regional anesthesia (RA) emerges as a prudent and effective option for HOCM patients. RA provides advantages such as minimizing hemodynamic fluctuations, avoiding intubation, reducing pharmacologic side effects, facilitating enhanced recovery after surgery, and contributing to greater patient satisfaction. We share the case of a 15-year-old individual diagnosed with HOCM and exercise intolerance, undergoing arthroscopic repair for right patellar instability. In this instance, the patient received preoperative peripheral nerve blocks for surgical anesthesia and underwent repair utilizing monitored anesthesia care (MAC) with a dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion.

Comparison of Two Dexmedetomidine Administration Strategies on the Incidence of Postoperative Respiratory Complications: A Retrospective, Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighted Study

Randomized controlled trials have shown a higher risk of postoperative hypoxemia and delayed extubation with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), compared with opioid anesthesia. The practice of OFA is not standardized. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between the dexmedetomidine administration protocol used and the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications. This work is a retrospective, propensity score-adjusted study (inverse probability of treatment weighting) conducted between January 2019 and September 2021 in a French tertiary care university hospital, including 180 adult patients undergoing major digestive surgery. Comparison of 2 anesthesia protocols: with a continuous intravenous maintenance dose of dexmedetomidine following a bolus (group B+M, n = 105) or with a bolus dose alone (group B, n = 75). The main outcome measure was a composite respiratory end point within 24 hours of surgery. There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall respiratory complications, as assessed by the primary end point. Nevertheless, there were more patients with postoperative hypercapnia in group B+M than in group B (16% vs 2.5%, P = .004). Patients in group B+M were extubated later than patients in group B (group B+M, median 40 minutes, IQR 20-74 minutes; group B, median 20 minutes, IQR 10-50 minutes; P = .004). Our study showed negative results for the primary end point. However, data on the increased risk of postoperative hypercapnia in patients receiving a maintenance dose of dexmedetomidine are new. Other prospective randomized studies with greater power are necessary to confirm these data and to make OFA safer, by reducing the prescribed doses of dexmedetomidine.

Perioperative Hypotension in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Upper Extremity Surgery with Dexmedetomidine Sedation: A Retrospective Study

(1) Background: limited data exist regarding the occurrence of hypotension associated with dexmedetomidine use and its risk factors in the context of intraoperative sedation for patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks. (2) Method: This single-center retrospective study assessed the incidence of hypotension in patients undergoing orthopedic upper extremity surgery with brachial plexus blockade. Patients were classified into three groups: group N (non-sedated), group M (midazolam), and group D (dexmedetomidine), based on their primary intraoperative sedative use. The primary outcome was the incidence of perioperative hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg or mean blood pressure (MBP) < 60 mmHg, at a minimum of two recorded time points during the intraoperative period and post-anesthesia care unit stay. Multivariable logistic models for the occurrence of hypotension were constructed for the entire cohort and group D. (3) Results: A total of 2152 cases (group N = 445, group M = 678, group D = 1029) were included in the analysis. The odds ratio for the occurrence of hypotension in group D was 5.68 (95% CI, 2.86 to 11.28) compared with group N. Concurrent use of a beta blocker, longer duration of surgery, and lower preoperative SBP and higher preoperative heart rate were identified as significant risk factors. (4) Conclusions: the increased risk of hypotension and the associated factors should be taken into account before using dexmedetomidine in these cases.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Two Different Doses of Esketamine Combined Infusion on the Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer - A Randomised Controlled Study

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of a combined infusion of dexmedetomidine and esketamine on the quality of recovery in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

Methods

A total of 135 patients were randomly divided into three groups: dexmedetomidine group (group D) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion), dexmedetomidine plus low-dose esketamine group (group DE1) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion) and esketamine (0.5 mg/kg loading, 2 µg/kg/min infusion), dexmedetomidine plus high-dose esketamine group (group DE2) received dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg loading, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion) and esketamine (0.5 mg/kg loading, 4 µg/kg/min infusion). The primary outcome was the overall quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores at 1 day after surgery. The secondary endpoints were total QoR-15 scores at 3 days after surgery, propofol and remifentanil requirement, awaking and extubation time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, rescue analgesic, nausea and vomiting, bradycardia, excessive sedation, nightmares, and agitation.

Results

The overall QoR-15 scores were much higher in groups DE1 and DE2 than in groups D 1 and D 3 days after surgery (P < 0.05). VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24 h postoperatively, propofol and remifentanil requirements were significantly lower in groups DE1 and DE2 than in group D (P < 0.05). Compared with group D, awaking time, extubation time, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were significantly prolonged in groups DE1 and DE2 (P < 0.05) and were much longer in group DE2 than in group DE1 (P < 0.05). The proportion of postoperative rescue analgesics and bradycardia was higher and the incidence of excessive sedation was lower in group D than in groups DE1 and DE2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine plus esketamine partly improved postoperative recovery quality and decreased the incidence of bradycardia but prolonged awaking time, extubation time, and PACU stay, especially dexmedetomidine plus 4 µg/kg/min esketamine.

Sixth Annual Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Symposium highlights: work in progress or standard care?

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have demonstrated effectiveness in accelerating patient recovery and improving outcomes. Since the systemwide implementation of ERAS protocols at Baylor Scott & White Health, an annual multidisciplinary conference has provided a review of outcomes and advancements in the ERAS program. This meeting, coined the ERAS symposium, allows providers who utilize recovery protocols to collaborate with national and international leaders in the field to improve the clinical care of patients. The sixth annual ERAS symposium was held on February 10, 2023, and provided key presentations that discussed the latest results from ERAS efforts across multiple surgical specialties along with updates in anesthesia, nursing, and nutrition. A summary of those presentations, which included perioperative glycemic control, misconceptions in pain management, and emerging ERAS protocols in different surgical specialties, is provided to document the system progress.

Reducing Risk for Perioperative Anesthesia Complications

Aging patients and outpatient settings add complexity to the anesthetic management of facial plastic surgery, which emphasizes a quiet surgical field and smooth perioperative journey, absent rocky emergence phenomena, postoperative nausea and vomiting, prolonged post-anesthesia care unit stays, or last-minute hospital admissions. Monitored anesthesia care can be ideal with proper patient selection and a conscientious provider, although overlooking potential risks has led to catastrophic consequences, including burns, hypoxic brain injury, and death. Inherently isolated, emergency preparedness is more crucial in outpatient settings, and includes emergency training and protocol availability along with the appropriate stock of emergency equipment and medication, including dantrolene and lipid emulsion.

What Is the Role of Dexmedetomidine in Modern Anesthesia and Critical Care?

Dexmedetomidine's unique sedative properties have led to its widespread use. Dexmedetomidine has a beneficial pharmacologic profile including analgesic sparing effects, anxiolysis, sympatholysis, organ-protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injury, and sedation which parallels natural sleep. An understanding of predictable side effects, effects of age-related physiologic changes, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine is crucial to maximize its safe administration in adults and children. This review focuses on the growing body of literature examining advances in applications of dexmedetomidine in children and adults.

Association of intraoperative dexmedetomidine use with postoperative hypotension in unilateral hip and knee arthroplasties: a historical cohort study

PURPOSE

Dexmedetomidine is frequently used as a sedative agent for orthopedic surgery patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty. Although the benefits of dexmedetomidine are well described in the literature, there is also potential for harm, especially regarding the hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine in the postoperative setting.

METHODS

This historical cohort study included all primary unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasties conducted from April 2017 to February 2020 in a single, university-affiliated, tertiary care centre (Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada). We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the predictors for postoperative hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or any systolic blood pressure while on a vasopressor infusion in the postanesthesia care unit. Models were validated using calibration and discrimination with bootstrapping technique.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in this study. Postoperative hypotension occurred in 413 (26%) patients. Statistically significant predictors for postoperative hypotension included female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.29 to 4.58), a history of transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.72), and intraoperative dexmedetomidine use (aOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.99 to 3.42). Moreover, the risk of postoperative hypotension was approximately two times higher than baseline, with a total intraoperative dexmedetomidine dose above 50 μg (relative risk, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.63 to 2.44; P < 0.001). A higher preoperative systolic blood pressure (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99) was a protective factor for postoperative hypotension.

CONCLUSION

In this historical cohort study, dexmedetomidine was a strong risk factor for postoperative hypotension in total hip or knee arthroplasty patients. Dexmedetomidine, and particularly at high cumulative doses above 50 μg, should be administered judiciously in high-risk surgical patients to minimize the risk of postoperative hypotension.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Basic Cardiac Electrophysiology in Adults; a Descriptive Review and a Prospective Case Study

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a commonly used sedative agent with no or minimal effects on breathing. DEX may also be beneficial in myocardial protection. Since the mechanisms of cardiac effects are not well known, we carried out a descriptive review and examined the effects of DEX on myocardial electrical conduction in a prospective and controlled manner. For the review, clinical studies exploring DEX in myocardial protection published between 2020-2022 were explored. A case study included 11 consecutive patients at a median (range) age of 48 (38-59), scheduled for elective radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A bolus dose of DEX 1 µg/kg given in 15 min was followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2-0.7 µg/kg/h. Direct intracardiac electrophysiologic measurements, hemodynamics and oxygenation were measured before and after the DEX bolus. Experimental studies show that DEX protects the heart both via stabilizing cardiac electrophysiology and reducing apoptosis and autophagy after cell injury. The clinical evidence shows that DEX provides cardiac protection during different surgeries. In a clinical study, DEX increased the corrected sinus node recovery time, prolongated the atrioventricular (AV) nodal refractory period and cycle length producing AV nodal Wenckebach retrograde conduction block. DEX has a putative role in organ protection against hypoxic, oxidative and reperfusion injury. DEX slows down the firing of the sinus node and prolongs AV refractoriness.

Pain treatment and prophylaxis on pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Also in ambulatory surgery, there will usually be a need for analgesic medication to deal with postoperative pain. Even so, a significant proportion of ambulatory surgery patients have unacceptable postoperative pain, and there is a need for better education in how to provide proper prophylaxis and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Postoperative pain should be addressed both pre, intra- and postoperatively. The management should be with a multimodal nonopioid-based procedure specific guideline for the routine cases. In 10-20% of cases, there will be a need to adjust and supplement the basic guideline with extra analgesic measures. This may be because there are contraindications for a drug in the guideline, the procedure is more extensive than usual or the patient has extra risk factors for strong postoperative pain. Opioids should only be used when needed on top of multimodal nonopioid prophylaxis. Opioids should be with nondepot formulations, titrated to effect in the postoperative care unit and eventually continued only when needed for a few days at maximum.

SUMMARY

Multimodal analgesia should start pre or per-operatively and include paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), dexamethasone (or alternative glucocorticoid) and local anaesthetic wound infiltration, unless contraindicated in the individual case. Paracetamol and NSAID should be continued postoperatively, supplemented with opioid on top as needed. Extra analgesia may be considered when appropriate and needed. First-line options include nerve blocks or interfascial plane blocks and i.v. lidocaine infusion. In addition, gabapentinnoids, dexmedetomidine, ketamine infusion and clonidine may be used, but adverse effects of sedation, dizziness and hypotension must be carefully considered in the ambulatory setting.