Mesial temporal atrophy in preoperative MRI rather than steep Trendelenburg position is associated with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing a major urologic surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate whether steep Trendelenburg in a major urologic surgery is associated with postoperative delirium, and to examine other potential clinical and radiologic factors predictive of postoperative delirium.

METHODS

182 patients who received a major urologic surgery and underwent a 3.0-T brain MRI scan within 1 year prior to the date of surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Preoperative brain MRIs were used to analyze features related to small vessel disease burden and mesial temporal atrophy. Presence of a significant mesial temporal atrophy was defined as Scheltens' scale ≥ 2. Patients' clinico-demographic data and MRI features were used to identify significant predictors of postoperative delirium using the logistic regression analysis. Independent predictors found significant in the univariate analysis were further evaluated in the multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Incidence of postoperative delirium was 6.0%. Patients with postoperative delirium had lower body mass index (21.3 vs. 25.0 kg/m2, P = 0.003), prolonged duration of anesthesia (362.7 vs. 224.7 min, P < 0.001) and surgery (302.2 vs. 174.5 min, P < 0.001), and had more significant mesial temporal atrophy (64% vs. 30%, P = 0.046). In the univariate analysis, female sex, type of surgery (radical prostatectomy over cystectomy), prolonged duration of anesthesia (≥ 6 h), and presence of a significant mesial temporal atrophy were significant predictors (all P-values < 0.050), but only the presence of significant mesial temporal atrophy was significant in the multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR), 3.69; 95% CI 0.99-13.75; P = 0.046].

CONCLUSION

Steep Trendelenburg was not associated with postoperative delirium. Significant mesial temporal atrophy (Scheltens' scale ≥ 2) in preoperative brain MRI was predictive of postoperative delirium.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Nurse anesthetists' perceptions and experiences of managing emergence delirium: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

This study employs a descriptive phenomenological approach to investigate the challenges anesthesia nurses face in managing emergence delirium (ED), a common and complex postoperative complication in the post-anesthesia care unit. The role of nurses in managing ED is critical, yet research on their understanding and management strategies for ED is lacking.

AIM

To investigate anesthetic nurses' cognition and management experiences of ED in hopes of developing a standardized management protocol.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach from qualitative research methodologies. Purposeful sampling was utilized to select 12 anesthetic nurses from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai as research subjects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were organized and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method, from which the final themes were extracted.

RESULTS

After analyzing the interview content, four main themes and eight subthemes were distilled: Inefficient cognition hinders the identification of ED (conceptual ambiguity, empirical identification), managing diversity and challenges (patient-centered safe care, low level of medical-nursing collaboration), work responsibilities and pressure coexist (heavy work responsibilities, occupational risks and stress), demand for high-quality management (expecting the construction of predictive assessment tools and prevention strategies, and pursuing standardized management processes to enhance management effectiveness).

CONCLUSION

Nursing managers should prioritize the needs and suggestions of nurses in order to enhance their nursing capabilities and provide guidance for standardized management processes.

Prophylaxis for paediatric emergence delirium in desflurane-based anaesthesia: a network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The prevalence of postoperative emergence delirium in paediatric patients (pedED) following desflurane anaesthesia is considerably high at 50-80%. Although several pharmacological prophylactic strategies have been introduced to reduce the risk of pedED, conclusive evidence about the superiority of these individual regimens is lacking. The aim of the current study was to assess the potential prophylactic effect and safety of individual pharmacotherapies in the prevention of pedED following desflurane anaesthesia.

METHODS

This frequentist model network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included peer-reviewed RCTs of either placebo-controlled or active-controlled design in paediatric patients under desflurane anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Seven studies comprising 573 participants were included. Overall, the ketamine + propofol administration [odds ratio (OR) = 0.05, 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) 0.01-0.33], dexmedetomidine alone (OR = 0.13, 95%CIs 0.05-0.31), and propofol administration (OR = 0.30, 95%CIs 0.10-0.91) were associated with a significantly lower incidence of pedED than the placebo/control groups. In addition, only gabapentin and dexmedetomidine were associated with a significantly higher improvement in the severity of emergence delirium than the placebo/control groups. Finally, the ketamine + propofol administration was associated with the lowest incidence of pedED, whereas gabapentin was associated with the lowest severity of pedED among all of the pharmacologic interventions studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The current NMA showed that ketamine + propofol administration was associated with the lowest incidence of pedED among all of the pharmacologic interventions studied. Future large-scale trials to more fully elucidate the comparative benefits of different combination regimens are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021285200.

Association of preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios with the emergence delirium in pediatric patients after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: an observational prospective study

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate potential risk factors for emergence delirium (ED) in pediatric patients after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A).

METHODS

This prospective, single-center observational study enrolled children aged 3-7 years who underwent T&A under general anesthesia. ED was assessed according to DSM-IV or V criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predicative and cut-off values of risk factors, including age, preoperative anxiety level, postoperative pain and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for ED. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate risk factors for ED.

RESULTS

94 pediatric patients who underwent T&A were enrolled and 19 developed ED (an incidence of 25.3%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that preoperative NLR was a significant predictor of ED with a cut-off value of 0.8719 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.671 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.546-0.796, P = 0.022). Preoperative NLR (< 0.8719) and postoperative pain were independent risk factors associated with ED (odds ratio: 0.168, 95% CI 0.033-0.858, P = 0.032; odds ratio: 7.298, 95% CI 1.563-34.083, P = 0.011) according to multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative NLR level and postoperative pain were independent risk factors for ED in pediatric patients undergoing T&A.

Association of preoperative blood glucose level with delirium after non-cardiac surgery in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia has shown a negative association with cognitive dysfunction. We analyzed patients with high preoperative blood glucose level and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level to determine the prevalence of postoperative delirium.

METHODS

We reviewed a database of 23,532 patients with diabetes who underwent non-cardiac surgery. Acute hyperglycemia was defined as fasting blood glucose > 140 mg/dl or random glucose > 180 mg/dl within 24 h before surgery. Chronic hyperglycemia was defined as HbA1c level above 6.5% within three months before surgery. The incidence of delirium was compared according to the presence of acute and chronic hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

Of the 23,532 diabetic patients, 21,585 had available preoperative blood glucose level within 24 h before surgery, and 18,452 patients reported levels indicating acute hyperglycemia. Of the 8,927 patients with available HbA1c level within three months before surgery, 5,522 had levels indicating chronic hyperglycemia. After adjustment with inverse probability weighting, acute hyperglycemia was related to higher incidence of delirium (hazard ratio: 1.33, 95% CI [1.10,1.62], P = 0.004 for delirium) compared with controls without acute hyperglycemia. On the other hand, chronic hyperglycemia did not correlate with postoperative delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative acute hyperglycemia was associated with postoperative delirium, whereas chronic hyperglycemia was not significantly associated with postoperative delirium. Irrespective of chronic hyperglycemia, acute glycemic control in surgical patients could be crucial for preventing postoperative delirium.

Non-pharmacological interventions for preventing emergence delirium in children under general anesthesia: A scoping review

PROBLEM

The phenomenon of emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia has garnered increasing attention in the academic community. While formal non-pharmaceutical interventions have demonstrated efficacy in mitigating this phenomenon, the diversity of intervention types and their varying degrees of effectiveness necessitate further discussion. A scoping review was conducted to identify and explicate the categorization, content elements, and outcomes measures of non-pharmacological interventions utilized to forestall the onset of emergence delirium in children undergoing general anesthesia.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley's methodology framework and PRISMA-ScR. It encompassed experimental and quasi-experimental studies that involved any non-pharmacological interventions during the perioperative period to prevent emergence delirium in children aged 0 to 18 years undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery.

SAMPLE

Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 29 were randomized controlled trials. The total sample size of the population was 4633.

RESULTS

The scoping review revealed 10 non-pharmacological interventions, that included distraction intervention, visual preconditioning, virtual reality, parental participation, maternal voice, light drinking, acupuncture, auditory stimulation, monochromic light and breathing training. Emergence delirium, preoperative anxiety, and postoperative pain were the primary outcomes, and four assessment instruments were employed to measure the extent and incidence of emergence delirium.

CONCLUSION

Numerous non-pharmacological interventions have been employed to prevent emergence delirium. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of some interventions is not yet evident.

IMPLICATIONS

The utilization of visual preconditioning and distraction interventions appears to be an emerging area of interest.

Effect of BIS-guided anesthesia on emergence delirium following general anesthesia in children: A prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Emergence delirium (ED) is a postoperative complication in pediatric anesthesia characterized by a perception and psychomotor disorder, with a negative impact on postoperative recovery. As the use of inhalation anesthesia is associated with a higher incidence of ED, we investigated whether titrating the depth of general anesthesia with BIS monitor can reduce the incidence of ED.

DESIGN

Randomized, prospective, and double-blind.

SETTING

Patients undergoing endoscopic adenoidectomy under general anesthesia according to a uniform protocol.

PATIENTS

A total of 163 patients of both sexes aged 3-8 years were enrolled over 18 months.

INTERVENTIONS

Immediately after the induction of general anesthesia, a bispectral index (BIS) electrode was placed on the patient's forehead. In the study group, the depth of general anesthesia was monitored with the aim of achieving BIS values of 40-60. In the control group, the dose of sevoflurane was determined by the anaesthesiologist based on MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) and the end-tidal concentration.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary objective was to compare the occurrence of ED during the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) stay in both arms of the study. The secondary objective was to determine the PAED score at 10 and 30 min in the PACU and the need for rescue treatment of ED.

MAIN RESULTS

86 children were randomized in the intervention group and 77 children in the control group. During the entire PACU stay, 23.3% (38/163) of patients developed ED with PAED score >10: 35.1% (27/77) in the control group and 12.8% (11/86) in the intervention group (p = 0.001). Lower PAED scores were also found in the intervention group at 10 (p < 0.001) and 30 (p < 0.001) minutes compared to the control group. The need for rescue treatment did not differ between groups (p = 0.067).

CONCLUSION

Individualization of the depth of general anesthesia with BIS monitoring is an effective method of preventing ED in children.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04466579.

Association between intraoperative ketamine and the incidence of emergence delirium in laparoscopic surgeries: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Emergence Delirium (ED) is an essential condition in the immediate postoperative period. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have concluded that the effect of ketamine on postoperative delirium remains unclear. The present study sought to evaluate if the intraoperative use of ketamine for postoperative analgesia is associated with postoperative ED in laparoscopic surgeries.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was performed in the PostAnesthetic Care Unit (PACU) to evaluate patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery under a rigid intraoperative anesthesia protocol from July 2018 to January 2019. Patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy, oophorectomy, or salpingectomy with a score ≥1 on the Richmond Assessment Sedation Scale (RASS) or ≥2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) were considered to have ED. t-test, Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact tests were used for comparison.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifteen patients were studied after laparoscopic surgery. Seventeen patients (14.8%) developed ED, and the incidence of ED in patients who received ketamine was not different from that of other patients (18.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.262). Patients with ED had more postoperative pain and morphine requirement at the PACU (p = 0.005 and p = 0.025, respectively). Type of surgery (general surgery, OR = 6.4, 95% CI 1.2‒35.2) and postoperative pain (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2‒11.4) were risk factors for ED.

CONCLUSION

In this study, no association was found between ED and intraoperative administration of ketamine in laparoscopic surgeries. Type of surgery and postoperative pain were risk factors for ED.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial to reduce pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium by titration of sevoflurane anesthesia using brain function monitoring

BACKGROUND

Emergence agitation or emergence delirium is a common complication of unknown etiology in pediatric anesthesia. Pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) has been reported most commonly in younger children and may occur in about 30% of children up to 5-6 years old. Exposure to anesthetic agents may contribute to PAED, and we hypothesized that a management strategy to minimize exposure to volatile anesthetics may reduce PAED. Electroencephalography (EEG) signatures captured and displayed by brain function monitors during anesthesia change with concentration of sevoflurane and level of unconsciousness, and these EEG signatures may be used to inform titration of anesthetics.

METHODS

A single-center, parallel-group, two-arm, superiority trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio will be performed to compare the incidence of PAED following standard sevoflurane anesthesia (maintained at 1.0MAC) and EEG-guided anesthesia (minimum concentration to sustain surgical anesthesia as determined by monitoring of EEG signatures). Participants between 1 and 6 years of age undergoing surgical procedures involving minimal postoperative pain will be randomly assigned to receive standard (n = 90) or EEG-guided (n = 90) anesthesia. PAED score will be assessed by a blinded observer in the PACU on arrival and after 5, 10, 15, and 30 min.

DISCUSSION

Anesthesia management with proactive use of brain function monitoring is expected to reduce exposure to sevoflurane without compromising surgical anesthesia. We expect this reduced exposure should help prevent PAED. Routinely administering what may be considered standard levels of anesthetic such as 1.0 MAC sevoflurane may be excessive and potentially associated with unfavorable sequelae such as PAED.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) jRCTs032210248. Prospectively registered on 17 August 2021.

Effect of recorded mother's voice on emergence delirium in pediatric patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Emergence delirium is a common complication in children. Recorded mother's voice, as a non-pharmacological measure, is increasingly used to prevent the emergence of delirium in pediatric patients, but sufficient evidence is still needed to prove its efficacy.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Sinomed databases were searched for randomized controlled trials exploring the efficacy of recorded mother's voice in preventing the emergence of delirium in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia. The original data were pooled for the meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.4.1. This study was conducted based on the Cochrane Review Methods.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 724 children were included in the analysis. Recorded mother's voice reduced the incidence of emergence delirium when compared with either no voice (RR: 0.45; [95 % CI, 0.34 - 0.61]; p < 0.01; I2 = 7 %) or stranger's voice (RR: 0.51; [95 % CI, 0.28 - 0.91]; p = 0.02; I2 = 38 %) without increasing other untoward reactions. In addition, it shortened the post-anesthesia care unit stay time when compared with no voice (MD = -5.64; [95 % CI, -8.43 to -2.58]; p < 0.01, I2 = 0 %), but not stranger's voice (MD = -1.23; [95 % CI, -3.08 to 0.63]; p = 0.19, I2 = 0 %). It also shortened the extubation time and reduced the incidence of postoperative rescue analgesia.

CONCLUSION

The current analysis indicated that recorded mother's voices could reduce the incidence of emergency delirium, shorten post-anesthesia care unit stay time and extubation time, and decrease the incidence of postoperative rescue analgesia in children.

Effects of early postoperative neurocognitive disorders on clinically relevant outcomes: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Early postoperative neurocognitive disorders (ePND), include both emergence delirium, which is defined as very early onset postoperative delirium, and emergence agitation, defined as motor arousal. Although research on anesthesia emergence is limited, ePND are likely associated with unfavorable outcomes. This meta-analysis assessed the effect of ePND on clinically relevant outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search of studies published between 2002 and 2022 on MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Studies that included adults with emergence agitation and/or delirium and reported at least one of the following outcomes: mortality, postoperative delirium, length of post-anesthesia care unit stay, or length of hospital stay were included. The internal validity, risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 16,028 patients from 21 prospective observational studies and one case-control retrospective study were included in this meta-analysis. The occurrence rate of ePND was 13% (data excluding the case-control study). The mortality rate was 2.4% in patients with ePND vs. 1.2% in the normal emergence group (risk ratio [RR]: 2.6, P = 0.01, very low quality of evidence). Postoperative delirium occurred in 29% of patients with ePND and 4.5% of patients with normal emergence (RR: 9.5, P < 0.001, I2 = 93%). Patients with ePND had a prolonged length of post-anesthesia care unit stay (P = 0.004) and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that ePND are associated with twice the risk of mortality and a 9-fold increased risk of postoperative delirium.

Nasal splinting and mouth breathing training reduce emergence delirium after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (ED) is generally occurred after anesthesia associated with increased risks of long-term adverse outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preconditioning with nasal splint and mouth-breathing training on prevention of ED after general anesthesia.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 adult patients undergoing ESS. Patients were randomized to receive either nasal splinting and mouth breathing training (n = 100) or standard care (n = 100) before surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ED within 30 min of extubation, assessed using the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale. Logistic regression identified risk factors for ED.

RESULTS

Totally 200 patients were randomized and 182 aged from 18 to 82 years with 59.9% of males were included in the final analysis (90 in C-group and 92 in P-group). ED occurred in 16.3% of the intervention group vs. 35.6% of controls (P = 0.004). Male sex, smoking and function endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were independent risk factors for ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative nasal splinting and mouth breathing training significantly reduced the incidence of emergence delirium in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1900024925 ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ) registered on 3/8/2019.

Incidence and risk factors for emergence delirium in children undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia - A prospective, observational study

Background and Aims

Emergence delirium (ED) is a common complication after general anaesthesia (GA) in children, with an incidence of 2%-80%. This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for ED in children undergoing surgery under GA.

Methods

This observational, prospective study was conducted in 336 children of either gender aged 2-13 years scheduled for surgeries under GA. Preoperative anxiety and demographics were noted. Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale, Watcha scale, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale were monitored 30 min postsurgery. A PAED score ≥12 and a Watcha scale score ≥3 were taken as ED. The primary outcome was the incidence of ED. An adjusted multivariate linear regression model explored the association with ED.

Results

The incidence of ED was 3.87% (n = 13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.80, 5.94). ED was significantly associated with male sex (β coefficient 0.06, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.11) and severe preoperative anxiety (β coefficient 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12) in a multivariate linear regression model adjusted for other confounders. When pain scores were added to the regression model, ED was significantly associated only with pain at 0 and 10 min after surgery (P values 0.005 and 0.002, respectively). Both PAED (AUROC 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00) and Watcha (AUROC 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00) scores showed an excellent ability to detect ED.

Conclusion

The incidence of ED was 3.87% (95% CI: 1.80, 5.94) and was significantly associated with male sex, severe preoperative anxiety and pain.

Subanesthetic-dose propofol infusion for preventing emergence agitation in children: a retrospective observational study

PURPOSE

Anesthesia maintenance using propofol and a propofol bolus dose at the end of surgery have been shown to prevent emergence agitation (EA). However, the preventive effect of subanesthetic propofol infusion during sevoflurane anesthesia on EA remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of subanesthetic propofol infusion on EA in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the incidences of severe EA requiring pharmacological intervention in children who underwent adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, or strabismus surgery between maintenance with sevoflurane alone (sevoflurane group) and maintenance with subanesthetic propofol with sevoflurane (combination group). A multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to assess the association between anesthesia methods and the occurrence of EA. Additionally, we estimated the direct effect of anesthesia methods by a mediation analysis, excluding the indirect effects of intraoperative fentanyl and droperidol administration.

RESULTS

Among 244 eligible patients, 132 and 112 were in the sevoflurane and combination groups, respectively. The crude incidence of EA was significantly lower in the combination group (17.0% [n = 19]) than in the sevoflurane group (33.3% [n = 44]) (P = 0.005). After adjusting for confounders, the incidence of EA was still significantly lower in the combination group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.91). The mediation analysis revealed a direct association of anesthesia methods with a lower EA incidence in the combination group (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.93) than in the sevoflurane group.

CONCLUSION

Subanesthetic propofol infusion may effectively prevent severe EA requiring the administration of opioids or sedatives.

Analysis of the relationship between EEG burst suppression and poor prognosis in children under general anaesthesia: study protocol for a prospective, observational, single-centre study

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (ED) in children refers to the immediate postoperative period when children experience decreased perception of their surroundings, accompanied by disorientation and altered perception. Burst suppression (BS) is recognised as periods longer than 0.50 s during which the EEG does not exceed approximately + 5.0 mV, which is an electroencephalographic state associated with profound inactivation of the brain. Our primary objective was to determine the association between BS on electroencephalogram (EEG) under general anaesthesia with postoperative wake-up delirium and multiple adverse outcomes, such as prolonged awakening and extubation.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational cohort study at Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, children aged 6 months to 9 years who underwent surgery under general anaesthesia and underwent EEG monitoring between January 2022 and January 2023 were included. Patients' prefrontal EEGs were recorded intraoperatively as well as analysed for the occurrence and duration of BS and scored postoperatively for delirium by the PAED scale, with a score of no less than 10 considered as having developed wake-up delirium.

DISCUSSION

This study identified a relationship between EEG BS and postoperative awakening delirium under general anaesthesia in children and provides a novel preventive strategy for postoperative awakening delirium and multiple adverse outcomes in paediatric patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200055256. Registered on January 5, 2022.

Risk of esketamine anesthesia on the emergence delirium in preschool children after minor surgery: a prospective observational clinical study

Emergence delirium (ED) is a common mental complication during recovery from anesthesia. However, studies on the effects of esketamine, an intravenous anesthetic for pediatrics, on ED are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single-dose of esketamine during anesthesia induction on ED after minor surgery in preschool children. A total of 230 children (aged 2-7 years) completed the study. The exposed group (0.46 mg kg^-1: average dose of esketamine) was associated with an increased incidence of ED and a higher maximum Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score than the non-exposed group. The length of post-anesthesia care unit stay was longer in the exposed group than the non-exposed group. In contrast, extubation time, face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scores, and the proportions of rescue analgesics were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, five factors, including preoperative anxiety scores, sevoflurane and propofol compared with sevoflurane alone for anesthesia maintenance, dezocine for postoperative analgesia, FLACC scores, and esketamine exposure, were associated with ED. In conclusion, a near-anesthetic single-dose of esketamine for anesthesia induction may increase the incidence of ED in preschool children after minor surgery. The use of esketamine in preschool children for minor surgery should be noticed during clinical practice.

The impact of emergence delirium on hospital length of stay for children who underwent tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy: an observational retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Emergence Delirium (ED) is a combination of disturbance of perception and psychomotor agitation that is common in pediatric patients after general anesthesia, especially at preschool age. Since the effect of ED on the length of stay has been studied in adults but infrequently in children, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ED and length of stay in this population.

METHODS

A single center, retrospective, observational study was carried out in children who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale was used to assess ED. In addition to the time to hospital discharge (time frame 24 hours), drugs used, comorbidities, early postoperative complications, and pain were investigated if potentially associated with the complication.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixteen children aged from 1.5 to 10 years (183 female, 233 male) were included. ED occurred in 25.5% of patients (n = 106). Patients were divided into the ED group and the No-ED group. The discharge time was similar in both groups. No significant differences were observed in the frequency of postoperative complications. The use of fentanyl or dexmedetomidine did not affect ED occurrence. The frequency of pain was greater in the ED group, both in the recovery room and in the ward (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of ED in children after tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy did not extend the length of stay.

A successful awake pediatric neurosurgery procedure following, 3 months after, a previous failure due to an emergence agitation: a case report

Awake neurosurgery in children may sometimes require conversion to general anesthesia. We present here the case of a first failed awake procedure for epilepsy surgery. After adapting the anesthesia protocol (sedation + hypnosis) and acceptance by the patient, the surgeons operated the child in good conditions a few months later. We believe that it is possible to retry awake neurosurgery after a first failure if its analysis showed modifiable causes.

The effect of active distraction compared to midazolam in preschool children in the perioperative setting: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effect of active distraction to midazolam as a non-pharmacological method of reducing preoperative anxiety in preschool children. A secondary purpose was to compare emergence delirium, sedation/agitation, and length of stay between groups.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Preschool children (N = 99) scheduled for elective surgery participated in this 2-group randomized controlled trial: the active distraction (tablet) group (n = 52) had unlimited playtime with a tablet and the midazolam group (n = 47) were medicated approximately 10 min before mask induced anesthesia. Data were collected using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale, and Richmond Agitation Sedation Score. Length of stay (LOS) was measured in minutes from PACU admission to discharge. Wilcoxon rank sum, Pearson's chi square, and Fischer's exact tests were used in analysis.

RESULTS

Preschool children (3-5 years old), predominantly male (61%) and White (85%) presented for ear, nose, throat, ophthalmology, urology, and general surgery at a pediatric surgical center within a large Midwestern hospital. There was no significant difference in anxiety, emergence delirium, or sedation/agitation scores between midazolam and tablet groups. Children assigned to the tablet group had shorter LOS (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Active distraction with a tablet as an anxiolytic was as effective as midazolam for pre-school aged children with no side effects and reduced length of stay.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Preoperatively, non-pharmacological methods such as active distraction with a tablet should be considered for preschool children as an alternative to medication.

The application of xylocaine 10% pump-spray to improve immediate post-adenotonsillectomy pain in children: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Post-adenotonsillectomy pain is often severe, requiring substantial analgesia in the first 48-72 h. This pain is not only distressing to the patient and his or her parents, but often reflects poorly on an otherwise well performed procedure. Safe, simple and effective post-adenotonsillectomy pain control is still clinically elusive, even though a multitude of surgical and analgesic interventions have been proposed.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the analgesic properties of immediate post-operative application of xylocaine 10% pump spray to the tonsillar fossae in children having undergone adenotonsillectomy and how this impacts on anesthetic emergence and pain control in the first 24-h.

METHODS

In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 80 children were stratified into two groups: Group I (3-8 years-old) and Group II (9-14 years-old). Within these groups, participants were randomized to receive either xylocaine 10% pump spray or normal saline 0.9% post-operatively. A standardized anesthetic/analgesic regime was used intra-operatively. The same surgeon performed all surgeries using bi-polar diathermy. Outcome variables included state of anesthetic emergence; pain scores at specific intervals; need for rescue analgesia; post-operative nausea and vomiting; time to first oral intake and comfort associated with initial oral intake.

RESULTS

Xylocaine 10% pump spray consistently provided superior pain control at all time intervals compared to normal saline 0.9% (p = 0.011). This was most pronounced in children 3-8 years old (Group I). Xylocaine 10% pump spray and normal saline 0.9% provided similar pain relief in children 9-14 years old (Group (II) (p = 0.640). Children receiving xylocaine had a decreased incidence of emergence delirium and consistently required less rescue analgesia (p = 0.005). Children who received xylocaine did not eat sooner post-operatively, but they experienced less pain when ingesting liquids (p = 0.003) and solids (p = 0.000). Children who received xylocaine did not experience increased post-operative complications (p = 1.000) or nausea and vomiting (p = 0.153).

CONCLUSION

Xylocaine 10% spray may serve as a valuable adjunct to effective pain control post-adenotonsillectomy, especially if long acting opioids are contraindicated, as with patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The benefit of xylocaine appears to be negligible when a long acting opioid is administered. The benefits of xylocaine were most noteworthy in children aged 3-8 years old. This is the largest trial (n = 80) to date to assess the efficacy of xylocaine spray in isolation post-adenotonsillectomy. Xylocaine also offers improved comfort with oral intake and decreases emergence delirium and need for rescue analgesia without any increase in post-operative complications. Local anesthesia may decrease costs and help to solve the conundrum of a painless adenotonsillectomy especially in resource-limited settings.

Emergence delirium after intracranial neurosurgery- a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of emergence delirium (ED) including hypo- and hyperactive ED, after intracranial neurosurgery. Secondary objective was to identify perioperative risk factors of ED in these patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic neurosciences hospital. All consecutive adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with a preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 undergoing elective intracranial surgery under general anesthesia during the six-month period from October 2020 to March 2021 were included in this study. Perioperative patient data were collected till one hour after surgery. ED was defined as per Riker's sedation agitation score (SAS) as hyperactive ED when SAS was >4 and hypo active ED when SAS was <4 on a 1 to 7 scale.

RESULTS

Data of 320 patients were analyzed in this study. The overall incidence of ED was 22 % (71/320), with incidence of hyperactive ED of 4.3 % (n = 14) and hypoactive ED of 18 % (n = 57). The risk factors for ED were preoperative delirium (odds ratio [OR], 95 % confidence interval [CI] and p value of 4.41, 1.3-15.19, and 0.002), education level (OR = 2.21, [0.98-4.94], p = 0.05), minimum alveolar concentration of inhalational anesthetic (OR = 1.47, [1.17-1.88], p = 0.002), postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR = 4.56, [2.04-10.32], p = 0.001), and body weight (OR = 1.69, [1.1-2.68], p = 0.02). Hyperactive ED was predicted by preoperative delirium (OR = 5.28, [1.12-21.21], p = 0.024) and low education level (OR = 4.35, [1.2-17.04], p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Atleast one in five patients undergoing brain surgery under anesthesia develop ED. Addressing modifiable risk factors might reduce ED.

Virtual reality in preoperative preparation of children undergoing general anesthesia: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety can cause hyperalgesia, postoperative delirium and other adverse events, and even long-term psychological disorders. The aim of this trial was to determine whether preoperative virtual reality (VR) preparation reduces anxiety prior to induction of anesthesia.

METHODS

Data were analyzed for 99 children undergoing elective surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to a VR exposure intervention group or a control group. In the VR group, children watched a VR video showing a realistic interactive immersive virtual version of the perioperative process. The control group received conventional preoperative preparation. Preoperative anxiety using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale-Short Form (mYPAS-SF) during anesthesia induction was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes included induction compliance, emergence delirium, pain, and parental satisfaction.

RESULTS

The VR group had lower mYPAS-SF scores when leaving the waiting area (27.1, interquartile range, IQR 22.9-33.3 vs. 33.3, IQR 27.1-39.6; P = 0.006), and during anesthesia induction (29.2, IQR 22.9-33.3 vs. 39.6, IQR 33.3-55.2; P = 9×10^-6). The Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) scores during anesthesia induction were lower in the VR group (0.0, IQR 0.0-0.0 vs. 1.0, IQR 0.0-1.0; P = 0.003) than the control group, while parental satisfaction in the VR group was higher.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality exposure as a preparation tool has a beneficial effect on anxiety, induction compliance and parental satisfaction in children undergoing elective surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2000035417.

Sevoflurane requirements during electroencephalogram (EEG)-guided vs standard anesthesia Care in Children: A randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Intra-operative electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring utilizing the spectrogram allows visualization of children's brain response during anesthesia and may complement routine cardiorespiratory monitoring to facilitate titration of anesthetic doses. We aimed to determine if EEG-guided anesthesia will result in lower sevoflurane requirements, lower incidence of burst suppression and improved emergence characteristics in children undergoing routine general anesthesia, compared to standard care.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

PATIENTS

200 children aged 1 to 6 years, ASA 1 or 2, undergoing routine sevoflurane anesthesia for minor surgery lasting 30 to 240 min.

INTERVENTIONS

Children were randomized to either EEG-guided anesthesia (EEG-G) or standard care (SC). EEG-G group had sevoflurane titrated to maintain continuous slow/delta oscillations on the raw EEG and spectrogram, aiming to avoid burst suppression and, as far as possible, maintain a patient state index (PSI) between 25 and50. SC group received standard anesthesia care and the anesthesia teams were blinded to EEG waveforms.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcomes were the average end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Secondary outcomes include incidence and duration of intra-operative burst suppression and Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scores.

RESULTS

The EEG-G group received lower end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations during induction [4.80% vs 5.67%, -0.88% (-1.45, -0.31) p = 0.003] and maintenance of anesthesia [2.23% vs 2.38%, -0.15% (-0.25, -0.05) p = 0.005], and had a lower incidence of burst suppression [3.1% vs 10.9%, p = 0.044] compared to the SC group. PAED scores were similar between groups. Children <2 years old required higher average end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations, regardless of group.

CONCLUSIONS

EEG-guided anesthesia care reduces sevoflurane requirements in children undergoing general anesthesia, possibly lowering the incidence of burst suppression, without altering emergence characteristics. EEG monitoring allows direct visualization of brain responses in real time and allows clearer appreciation of varying sevoflurane requirements in children of different ages.

Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale: A diagnostic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (EmD) is a troublesome motoric, emotional, and cognitive disturbance associated with morbidity. It is often misdiagnosed despite being present in a substantial proportion of children and adolescents during emergence from anesthesia.

AIM

To evaluate the summary diagnostic accuracy of Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) for EmD among children and adolescents.

METHODS

Two researchers electronically and hand searched the published literature from May 2004 to February 2021 that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of PAEDS for EmD among children and adolescents, using appropriate terms. Two independent researchers extracted the diagnostic parameters and appraised the study quality with QUADAS-2. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of the measures was calculated with the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC), the summary sensitivity and specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for EmD. Various diagnostic cut-off points were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy. Heterogeneity was analyzed by meta-regression.

RESULTS

Nine diagnostic accuracy studies of EmD that conformed to our selection criteria and PRISMA guidelines were included in the final analysis. There was no publication bias. The area under the SROC was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95%-98%). Summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.91 (95%CI: 0.81-0.96; I² = 92.93%) and 0.94 (95%CI: 0.89-0.97; I² = 87.44%), respectively. The summary DOR was 148.33 (95%CI: 48.32-455.32). The effect size for the subgroup analysis of PAEDS cut-off scores of < 10, ≥ 10, and ≥ 12 was 3.73, 2.19, and 2.93, respectively; they were not statistically significantly different. The setting of the study and reference standard were statistically significantly related to the sensitivity of PAEDS but not specificity.

CONCLUSION

The PAEDS is an accurate diagnostic measure for the diagnosis of EmD among children and adolescents. Further studies should document its clinical utility.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Emergence Delirium and Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgical Patients- A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Delirium after surgery is a spectrum of clinical syndrome constituting emergence delirium (ED) and/or postoperative delirium (POD).

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ED and POD in patients after neurosurgical procedures. The secondary objectives were to examine the relationship between ED and POD and identify perioperative risk factors of ED and POD.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. After obtaining the ethics committee approval, consecutive adult patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures from February 2018 to November 2018 were included. We excluded children, patients with preoperative Glasgow Coma score <15, and patients with preoperative delirium. ED was assessed using Riker's Sedation-Agitation Score and POD was assessed using Confusion Assessment Method. Data collection included patient demographics, details of anesthetics and analgesics, and neurosurgical details.

Results

The incidence of ED and POD was 41% (N = 82/200) and 20% (N = 40/200), respectively. The occurrence of ED and POD coexisting as a continuous spectrum was 15%. Patients undergoing spine surgeries were found to have 44% less risk of ED than after cranial surgeries (P = 0.032). Presence of ED was associated with 1.8 times higher risk of POD (P < 0.001) and male gender was associated with 2.5 times higher risk of POD (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Incidences of ED and POD are higher after neurosurgery as compared with that reported in nonneurosurgical population previously.

Feasibility trial of weighted blankets as an intervention for emergence delirium in postoperative pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (ED) is a significant problem in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), resulting in dislodgement of medical devices, patient and staff injury, prolonged recovery, and parent dissatisfaction. Parental requests for the use of weighted blankets in the hospital setting have increased. However, while weighted blankets have shown potential as treatment for anxiety in adults and children, no studies have demonstrated their safe use with children in the hospital setting.

PURPOSE

To explore the safety of weighted blanket use with children in the PACU as an intervention for ED, a feasibility study was conducted.

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

A convenience sample of 93 participants, aged three to 10 years were recruited. Watcha scores, vital signs, length of wear time, and reason for blanket removal were recorded for all patients.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients completed the study. Four participants experienced vital signs outside the defined safety parameters, with only one experiencing an adverse event (1.2%). This was consistent with the historic adverse event rate of 1% for the study site. Staff did not report issues with the use or cleaning of the blankets. Of interest, there was significant correlation between ED and suspected pain.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated weighted blanket use is safe and feasible with children in the hospital setting, Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of weighted blankets as an intervention for ED and the impact pain may have on the severity and prevalence of ED.

Sleep quality and emergence delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery: a comparison between preschool- and school-age patients

Background

Emergence delirium (ED) is common in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. Preoperative sleep quality is associated with the risk factors for ED. However, research on the relationship between sleep quality and ED is limited. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ED and preoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Methods

This clinical trial included pediatric patients aged 4–12 years who underwent elective strabismus surgery. The patients and their parents were questioned about the patients’ preoperative sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. For anesthesia induction, thiopental (5 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) were used, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (minimum alveolar concentration, 1–1.5). After administration of a reversal drug, extubation was performed, and the patients were transferred to a post-anesthesia recovery unit. At 10 min after extubation, the degree of ED was measured using the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) and Watcha scale scores.

Results

Of the 62 enrolled patients, three pediatric patients were excluded. The overall incidence of ED was 22%. A total of 59 patients were divided into the two groups. The ED group and the non-ED group comprised 13 and 46 patients. Age, height and weight were significantly lower in the ED group than in the non-ED group. Preoperative PSQI and Watcha scale score were significantly higher in the ED group than in the non-ED group. Multivariate analysis showed that age (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.490 [0.290–0.828], p = 0.008) and preoperative PSQI score (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.149[1.224–3.771], p = 0.008) was associated with ED. In sub-group analysis, PAED scale and Watcha scale scores showed a moderate correlation with preoperative sleep quality in preschool-age patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the incidence of ED tended to be higher in younger age and poorer preoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients. In particular, the poorer sleep quality score was associated with higher incidence of ED in the preschool-age. Large-scale clinical studies and long-term follow-up studies on ED and sleep quality are required.

Trial registration

This study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03332407) at November 5th 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01507-2.

Incidence, risk factors, and consequences of emergence delirium after elective brain tumor resection

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium (ED) is a common phenomenon occurring in the recovery period. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and consequences of ED in adults after elective brain tumor resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of a prospective cohort performed in a tertiary university hospital. Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after elective brain tumor resection were consecutively enrolled. Level of consciousness was assessed using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale and ED was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Risk factors for ED were determined by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 659 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 41 patients with coma were excluded. Among the remaining 618 patients, 131 (21.2%) developed ED. Independent risk factors for ED were: age, education level, use of anticholinergic and mannitol, Glasgow Coma Score and arterial partial pressure of oxygen postoperatively, postoperative pain, malignant tumor, and frontal approach craniotomy. ED was associated with increased postoperative delirium, longer length of hospital stay, and higher hospitalization costs. There was no significant difference in the neurological function deficits (modified Rankin Scale score) between ED and non-ED groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ED has a high incidence and is associated with poor outcomes in adults after elective brain tumor resection. Early screening and prevention for ED should be established in perioperative management of this population.

Association of pharmacological prophylaxis with the risk of pediatric emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia: An updated network meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This updated network meta-analysis aims at exploring whether the concurrent use of midazolam or antiemetics may enhance the efficacy of other pharmacological regimens for delirium prophylaxis in pediatric population after general anesthesia (GA).

DESIGN

Network meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020179483).

SETTING

Postoperative recovery area.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients undergoing GA with sevoflurane.

INTERVENTIONS

Pharmacological interventions applied during GA with sevoflurane.

MEASUREMENTS

This network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted with a frequentist model. PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from their inception dates to April 12, 2020, for RCTs of either placebo-controlled or active-controlled design containing information on the incidence of emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing sevoflurane anesthesia.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventy studies comprising 6904 participants were included for the analysis of 30 pharmacological interventions. Based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis, midazolam was ranked the lowest in therapeutic effect (SUCRA: 20%), while antiemetics as a monotherapy had no effect on delirium prophylaxis. However, there was a trend that most combination therapies with midazolam or antiemetics were superior to monotherapies for delirium prophylaxis. Subgroup analyses based on age (i.e., ≤7 years) and a validated scoring system (i.e., the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale) for delirium also suggested a better efficacy of combination therapies than monotherapies. Overall, combination therapies with midazolam or antiemetics did not have a negative impact on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, or time to extubation. The dexmedetomidine-midazolam-antiemetic combination was the most effective strategy for the prevention of emergence delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

This network meta-analysis suggested that the incorporation of midazolam or antiemetics as adjuncts for combination therapies may have synergistic effects against pediatric postoperative emergence delirium. Future large-scale placebo-controlled RCTs are warranted to validate our findings.

Reflections on dexmedetomidine as an optimum therapy for emergence delirium in the elderly with emergency abdominal surgery

Emergence delirium (ED) is a common complication in elderly patients in post post-anesthesia care units (PACU), To our knowledge, there is currently no specific treatment for ED in the elderly, especially for patients combined with vital organs dysfunction. This article described an elderly patient with ED was successfully treated with dexmedetomidine. Although dexmedetomidine has been widely used in recent years, there are few articles on the administration of dexmedetomidine in PACU. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and analyze related hazardous factors for ED in the elderly with complications of emergency abdominal surgery and angiocardiopathy, and to further confirm and explain the effectiveness and validation of dexmedetomidine as a rescue therapy in PACU. Finally, we look forward to more samples being collected to persuasively prove our opinion in this case.

Inadequate emergence after anesthesia for elective cancer surgery: a single-center cohort study

Background

Inadequate emergence after anesthesia (IEA) is a common phenomenon in adult patients undergoing anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and determinants of IEA for elective cancer surgery, and to study its influence on the quality of recovery.

Methods

In this observational, prospective study, 148 patients scheduled for elective cancer surgery were included. IEA was considered for patients having emergence delirium or hypoactive emergence applying The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) 10 minutes after admission at PACU. Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PQRS) was used at baseline and after surgery at minutes 15 (T15) and 40 (T40), and days 1 (D1) and 3 (D3).

Results

Of the 148 patients, 48 (32%) had IEA. Complete recovery at PQRS was less frequent in patients with IEA on physiological domain at T15 and D1, and activities of daily living domain at D3. Patients with IEA recovered more frequently in emotive domain at T15, T40, and D3. Determinants of IEA were age, risk of surgery, congestive heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, ASA physical status, RCRI score, and duration of anesthesia. IEA patients had more frequently postoperative delirium and stayed for longer at PACU and at the hospital.

Conclusion

IEA was a common phenomenon after anesthesia for elective curative surgery for cancer. Patients with IEA were older and had more comorbidities and a higher surgical risk. Patients with IEA had a less frequent complete recovery on the PD and in AD domains, and a more frequent complete recovery on the ED.

Simulation Training Exercise to Improve Outcomes of Emergence Delirium in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Information in the perianesthesia environment may not be communicated across healthcare disciplines, potentially causing division on best practice. An example is emergence delirium, which requires a timely cohesive response. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more susceptible to emergence delirium. Simulation is an effective method to rehearse and act on clinical situations without harming the patient. The authors developed an interprofessional, interinstitutional simulation exercise to unify the perianesthesia team's interventions based on recommended practices for patients who have PTSD and are exhibiting emergence delirium. The simulation was tested at an Army community hospital and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Staff rotated through 3 simulation stations located in the preoperative holding area and an operating room suite. A pretest and prerequisite reading with application and analysis of the content was performed before the simulation. After completing the simulation and before returning to patient care, participants completed the posttest. The pretest vs posttest average score was 49.2% vs 81.6%. Based on written and verbal evaluations, the exercise accomplished the goals of evaluating templates of a simulation exercise for perianesthesia personnel to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment in an emergency situation that met the learning needs of anesthesia and nursing personnel.

Malnutrition is not related with emergence delirium in older patients after noncardiac surgery

Background

Delirium is one of the most common complications in older surgical patients. Although previous studies reported that preoperative malnutrition was related with postoperative delirium (POD), there was lack of evidence to illustrate the relationship between malnutrition and emergency delirium (ED). The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative malnutrition and ED in older patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods

The study was carried out in accordance with STROBE guidelines. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Older patients (65–90 years) who underwent noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in Peking University First Hospital.

Results

915 patients were enrolled. The incidence of malnutrition was 53.6 % (490/915). The incidence of emergency delirium was 41.8 % (205/490) in malnutrition group and 31.5 % (134/425) in control group, P < 0.001. After adjusting confounding factors (i.e., age, cognitive impairment, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA), duration of surgery, pain score, low body temperature and allogeneic blood transfusion), malnutrition was not associated with increased risk of emergency delirium (OR = 1.055, 95 % CI 0.767–1.452, P = 0.742).

Conclusions

Malnutrition was common in older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, but it’s not related with emergence delirium after adjusted for confounders.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) (ChiCTR-OOC-17,012,734).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02270-2.

Pediatric emergence delirium is linked to increased early postoperative negative behavior within two weeks after adenoidectomy: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective multicenter observational study was to measure the incidence of postoperative pediatric emergence delirium and to investigate the occurrence of early postoperative negative behavior within two weeks after outpatient adenoidectomy in preschool children.

METHODS

The study comprised 222 patients (1-7 years of age). All children received a multimodal anesthesia based on total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil in combination with piritramid (0.1 mg.kg-1), ibuprofen (10 mg.kg-1), dexamethason (0.15 mg.kg-1), and ketanest S (0.1 mg.kg-1). We evaluated emergence delirium using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAED) at different predefined time points during the recovery period. Emergence delirium was defined as a PAED score ≥ 9 for the first three criteria. Additionally, we defined early postoperative negative behavior to be present when at least 5 of 27 criteria of the post hospitalization behavior questionnaire were positive.

RESULTS

The incidence of emergence delirium following our anesthetic regime was 23%. The incidence of early postoperative negative behavior was significantly higher among patients with emergence delirium (24% vs. 11%, p = 0.04). The two categories, "sleep disturbance" and "separation anxiety", tested within the questionnaire for early postoperative negative behavior, were identified as the most common postoperative negative behavioral changes.

CONCLUSION

Emergence delirium not only plays a role immediately after surgery but is also linked to early postoperative negative behavior within two weeks after outpatient adenoidectomy. Parents should be informed that early postoperative negative behavior may occur in 1 out of 4 patients if emergence delirium was present postoperatively.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS - German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00013121.

Emergence delirium in children: a Brazilian survey

Background

Pediatric emergence delirium is characterized by a disturbance of a child’s awareness during the early postoperative period that manifests as disorientation, altered attention and perception. The incidence of emergence delirium varies between 18% and 80% depending on risk factors and how it is measured. Reports from Canada, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and France demonstrated a wide range of preventive measures and definitions, indicating that there is a lack of clarity regarding emergence delirium. We aimed to assess the practices and beliefs among Brazilian anesthesiologists regarding emergence delirium.

Methods

A web-based survey was developed using REDCap®. A link and QR Code were sent by email to all Brazilian anesthesiologists associated with the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA).

Results

We collected 671 completed questionnaires. The majority of respondents (97%) considered emergence delirium a relevant adverse event. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported routinely administrating medication to prevent emergence delirium, with clonidine (16%) and propofol (15%) being the most commonly prescribed medications. More than 70% of respondents reported a high level of patient and parent anxiety, a previous history of emergence delirium, and untreated pain as risk factors for emergence delirium. Regarding treatment, thirty-five percent of respondents reported using propofol, followed by midazolam (26%).

Conclusion

Although most respondents considered emergence delirium a relevant adverse event, only one-third of them routinely applied preventive measures. Clonidine and propofol were the first choices for pharmacological prevention. For treatment, propofol and midazolam were the most commonly prescribed medications.

Intraoperative clonidine to prevent postoperative emergence delirium following sevoflurane anesthesia in pediatric patients: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction and objective

Emergence Delirium (ED), particularly in children, is characterized by mental confusion, irritability, disorientation, and inconsolable crying. ED prolongs the time required in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and increases concern and anxiety in parents. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of low-dose clonidine in preventing ED in children receiving sevoflurane anesthesia for tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted between November 2013 and January 2014. Sixty-two children aged 2–12 years, scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy, and classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II were included, with 29 being randomized to receive 1 μg.kg^-1 clonidine intravenously, and 33 allocated to a control group that received no clonidine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane. Children with altered state of consciousness, neurological deficit, history of allergy to dipyrone, or receiving other drugs such as preanesthetic agents were excluded from the study. The primary outcome was the presence of ED in the initial 20 minutes in the PACU according to the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The Chi-Square test and Fisher’s two-tailed exact test were used for statistical analysis, as applicable. Significance level was set at 5%, and Risk Ratios (RR) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

Results

The frequency of ED was significantly decreased in the group of children who received clonidine (17.2% vs. 57.6%; RR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.13–0.70; p =  0.001). There was no difference between groups with respect to the frequency of postoperative self-harm (falls and bruises), dislodged catheters, and for most of the other adverse events evaluated.

Conclusions

The use of 1 μg.kg^-1 intravenous clonidine during anesthesia induction can effectively reduce the incidence of ED in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy under general inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02181543.

Effect of magnesium supplementation on emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery: a prospective randomised controlled study

Background

The benefits of intraoperative magnesium supplementation have been reported. In this prospective, randomized study, the effects of magnesium supplementation during general anaesthesia on emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 66 children aged 2 to 5 years who underwent strabismus surgery were assigned to the magnesium or to the control group. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. After anaesthesia induction, the magnesium group received an initial loading dose of 30 mg/kg magnesium sulphate over 10 min and, then, continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg per h until 10 min before the end of the surgery. The control group received an equal volume of normal saline via the same regimen. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score, pain score, and respiratory events were assessed at the postanaesthetic care unit.

Results

Data obtained from 65 children were analyzed. The PAED and pain scores of the two groups did not differ significantly. There were 26 of 33 (78.8%) and 27 of 32 (84.4%) children with emergence delirium in the control and the magnesium groups, respectively (odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.19–2.44; p = 0.561). The preoperative anxiety score was not significantly correlated with the PAED score. The incidence of respiratory events during the emergence period did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Magnesium supplementation during anaesthesia had no significant effects on the incidence of emergence delirium or postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03132701). Prospectively registered May 8, 2017.

Emergence delirium is associated with increased postoperative delirium in elderly: a prospective observational study

Background

The clinical significance of emergence delirium remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between emergence delirium and postoperative delirium in elderly after general anesthesia and surgery.

Methods

This prospective observational study was done in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Elderly patients (65–90 years) who underwent major noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia and admitted to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery were enrolled. Emergence delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit during PACU stay. Postoperative delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method during the first 5 postoperative days. The association between emergence delirium and postoperative delirium was analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 942 patients were enrolled and 915 completed the study. Emergence delirium developed in 37.0% (339/915) of patients during PACU stay; and postoperative delirium developed in 11.4% (104/915) of patients within the first 5 postoperative days. After adjusted confounding factors, the occurrence of emergence delirium is independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium (OR 1.717, 95% CI 1.078–2.735, P = 0.023). Patients with emergence delirium stayed longer in PACU and hospital after surgery, and developed more non-delirium complications within 30 days.

Conclusions

Emergence delirium in elderly admitted to the PACU after general anesthesia and major surgery is independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium. Patients with emergence delirium had worse perioperative outcomes.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR-OOC-17012734

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00540-020-02805-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Emergence Delirium in Perioperative Pediatric Care: A Review of Current Evidence and New Directions

Emergence delirium (ED) is defined as psychomotor agitation and delirium that typically occurs within 45 min from emergence of anesthesia. Preoperative patient conditions such as anxiety and confusion are risk factors for the development of postoperative ED. Common signs of ED are general non-purposeful resistive movements such as kicking, pulling, flailing as well as lack of eye contact and general lack of awareness of surroundings. The use of volatile anesthetics (VA) is contributory, while the use of total intravenous anesthetic techniques (TIVA) may help to reduce the incidence of emergence delirium. Furthermore, various pharmacologic strategies and alternatively non-pharmacologic strategies have been demonstrated to further diminish its occurrence. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of anesthetic considerations for pediatric ED and to provide an update on techniques that have been found to be effective in reducing the overall risk of developing postoperative ED in pediatric patients.

Effect of xenon and dexmedetomidine as adjuncts for general anesthesia on postoperative emergence delirium after elective cardiac catheterization in children: study protocol for a randomized, controlled, pilot trial

Background

Emergence delirium, a manifestation of acute postoperative brain dysfunction, is frequently observed after pediatric anesthesia and has been associated with the use of sevoflurane. Both xenon and dexmedetomidine possess numerous desirable properties for the anesthesia of children with congenital heart disease, including hemodynamic stability, lack of neurotoxicity, and a reduced incidence of emergence delirium. Combining both drugs has never been studied as a balanced-anesthesia technique. This combination allows the provision of anesthesia without administering anesthetic drugs against which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for the use in young children.

Methods/Design

In this phase-II, mono-center, prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot trial, we will include a total of 80 children aged 0–3 years suffering from congenital heart disease and undergoing general anesthesia for elective diagnostic and/or interventional cardiac catheterization. Patients are randomized into two study groups, receiving either a combination of xenon and dexmedetomidine or mono-anesthesia with sevoflurane for the maintenance of anesthesia.

The purpose of this study is to estimate the effect size for xenon-dexmedetomidine versus sevoflurane anesthesia with respect to the incidence of emergence delirium in children. We will also describe group differences for a variety of secondary outcome parameters including peri-interventional hemodynamics, emergence characteristics, incidence of postoperative vomiting, and the feasibility of a combined xenon-dexmedetomidine anesthesia in children.

Discussion

Sevoflurane is the most frequently used anesthetic in young children, but has been indicated as an independent risk factor in the development of emergence delirium. Xenon and dexmedetomidine have both been associated with a reduction in the incidence of emergence delirium. Combining xenon and dexmedetomidine has never been described as a balanced-anesthesia technique in children. Our pilot study will therefore deliver important data required for future prospective clinical trials.

Trial registration

EudraCT, 2018–002258-56. Registered on 20 August 2018. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu.

Emergence agitation: current knowledge and unresolved questions

Emergence agitation (EA), also referred to as emergence delirium, can have clinically significant consequences. The mechanism of EA remains unclear. The proposed risk factors of EA include age, male sex, type of surgery, emergency operation, use of inhalational anesthetics with low blood-gas partition coefficients, long duration of surgery, anticholinergics, premedication with benzodiazepines, voiding urgency, postoperative pain, and the presence of invasive devices. If preoperative or intraoperative objective monitoring could predict the occurrence of agitation during emergence, this would help to reduce its adverse consequences. Several tools are available for assessing EA. However, there are no standardized clinical research practice guidelines and its incidence varies considerably with the assessment tool or definition used. Total intravenous anesthesia, propofol, μ-opioid agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, nefopam, α2-adrenoreceptor agonists, regional analgesia, multimodal analgesia, parent-present induction, and preoperative education for surgery may help in preventing of EA. However, it is difficult to identify patients at high risk and apply preventive measures in various clinical situations. The risk factors and outcomes of preventive strategies vary with the methodologies of studies and patients assessed.This review discusses important outcomes of research on EA and directions for future research.

Comparison of single minimum dose administration of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for prevention of emergence delirium in children: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Emergence delirium (ED) is common in children after sevoflurane anesthesia and should be prevented for patient safety. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study was performed to compare the efficacy of minimal dosage of midazolam versus dexmedetomidine to prevent ED in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

METHODS

Seventy children aged 24 months to 12 years were allocated to receive midazolam (0.03 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.3 µg/kg) 5 min before the end of surgery. The incidence and severity of ED were assessed using a four-point scale and the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale, respectively. The emergence time and postoperative pain scores were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence of ED was 31.3% in the midazolam group and 26.5% in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.668). The severity of ED was similar in both groups (9.6 ± 5.8 in the midazolam group, vs. 8.1 ± 5.9 in the dexmedetomidine group, P = 0.299). The emergence time was comparable in the two groups [11.0 (8.3-13.8) min in midazolam group vs. 12.0 (10.0-13.5) min in dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.218)]. Postoperative pain score was higher in the midazolam group [0 (0-1)] than in the dexmedetomidine group [0 (0-0)] (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine and midazolam at single minimum dosages had equal effectiveness to prevent ED in children without delaying emergence time, when administered at the end of surgery. With regards to postoperative analgesic efficacy, although dexmedetomidine showed statistically significant higher analgesic effect than midazolam, further clinical investigations are needed to validate our findings.

Postoperative emergence agitation and intraoperative sevoflurane sedation under caudal block in children: a randomized comparison of two sevoflurane doses

BACKGROUND

Sub-umbilical surgery under caudal block in conjunction with sevoflurane sedation may be safe in terms of maintaining spontaneous breathing and avoiding complications associated with general anesthesia. However, sevoflurane-induced emergence agitation (EA) continues to be a clinically important phenomenon in children. To compare the incidence of EA in children undergoing sub-umbilical surgery under caudal block with two different doses of sevoflurane.

METHODS

Forty children (aged 1-5 years) scheduled to undergo inguinal hernia repair under caudal block with sevoflurane sedation via a face mask were randomized into either the low-dose (1.0%) end-tidal sevoflurane concentration group (Group LS) or the high-dose (2.5%) end-tidal sevoflurane concentration group (Group HS). We monitored EA episodes at 5 and 30 min in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) by using the fourpoint agitation scale and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale.

RESULTS

The four-point agitation scale scores and PAED scores were not different between the groups at 5 min. However, the agitation score was higher in Group HS than in Group LS at 30 min after arriving in the PACU. The time required to recover from sedation was longer in Group HS than in Group LS.

CONCLUSIONS

Face-mask sedation with 1.0% sevoflurane in conjunction with caudal block may be more effective than that with 2.5% sevoflurane in preventing EA.

Factors associated with intravenous lidocaine in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy - a retrospective, single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Due to its potential beneficial effects, intra- and postoperative application of intravenous lidocaine has become increasingly accepted over the last couple of years, e.g. in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgical procedures. Based on its beneficial properties, lidocaine was introduced to the standard of care for all pediatric laparoscopic procedures in our institution in mid-2016. In contrast to adult care, scarce data is available regarding the use of perioperative intravenous lidocaine administration in children undergoing laparoscopic procedures, such as an appendectomy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy at the University Children's Hospital Zurich in 2016. Perioperative data, as recorded in the electronic patient data management system, were evaluated for any signs of systemic lidocaine toxicity (neurological and cardiovascular), behavioral deterioration, as well as for hemodynamic instability. Additionally, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, administration of pain rescue medication, time to hospital discharge and to first bowel movement, as well as any postoperative complications were recorded. Starting on 01/07/2016, all patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery received intravenous lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) bolus after induction of anesthesia followed by continuous infusion of 1.5 mg/kgBW/h). These patients were then compared to children without lidocaine administration who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy between 01/01/2016 and 30/06/2016.

RESULTS

Data of 116 patients was analyzed. Of these, 60 patients received lidocaine. No signs of systemic toxicity, neurologic impairment or circulatory disturbances were noted in any of these patients. A (non-significant) difference in the incidence of emergence delirium was observed (0 cases in the lidocaine group vs. 4 cases in the control group, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis did not reveal any adverse effects in pediatric patients receiving intravenous lidocaine for laparoscopic appendectomy under general anesthesia. However, further trials investigating beneficial effects as well as pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous lidocaine in children are required.

Subanesthetic-Dose Ketamine to Decrease Emergence Delirium in the Surgical Patient With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Recently, emergence delirium (ED) has been associated with patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, no research exists to support best practice in this population. Identification of the pathophysiologic alterations that occur in ED and PTSD can guide pharmacotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that glutaminergic dysfunction plays a role in ED and PTSD. A comprehensive understanding of the glutaminergic alterations that occur in ED and PTSD exposes a potential for pharmacologic intervention. The anesthetic agent ketamine modulates glutamate neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. By appreciating the relationship that exists between ED, PTSD, and glutamate, one can extrapolate that a subanesthetic dose of ketamine may decrease ED in the surgical patient with PTSD.

A study into perioperative anaesthetic adverse events in Thailand (PAAd THAI): An analysis of suspected emergence delirium

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the characteristics, contributing factors and recommended policy changes associated with emergence delirium. Relevant data were extracted from the PAAd Thai database of 2,006 incident reports which were conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2015. Details pertinent to the patient, surgery, anaesthetic and systematic factors were reviewed independently. Seventeen incidents of emergence delirium were recorded. Emergence delirium was common in the following categories: male (70.6%), over 65 years of age (53%), elective surgery (76%) and orthopedic surgery (35%). Physical restraint was required in 53% (9 of 17) of cases and 14 patients (82%) required medical treatment. One patient developed postoperative delirium and required medical treatment. The study led to the following recommendations: Development of a classification of practice guidelines and a screening tool, and training for restraint use.

drawMD APP-aided preoperative anesthesia education reduce parents anxiety and improve satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

There is no existing standard format for preoperative anesthesia education. The drawMD APP is an visible preoperative education tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of drawMD APP on pre-operative anesthesia education.

METHODS

The parents were randomized to receive drawMD APP-aided pre-operative anesthesia education or standard verbal education. Parental anxiety was measured before education (T0) and immediately after education (T1), and after operation (T4). Children's anxiety was assessed before education (T0) and at the operation room (T2). Children's emergence behavior and Parents' satisfaction were assessed after operation (T4).

RESULTS

The parents' anxiety levels at T1 and T4 were significantly lower than that of the control. The satisfaction scores in the drawMD group were significantly higher than that in the control group. There were no differences in children's anxiety and the incidence of emergence delirium between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The drawMD APP-aided pre-operative education is effective in the reduction of parental pre-operative anxiety and in improvement of parents' satisfaction, but has no influence on children.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Anesthesiologists can consider using drawMD APP to conduct pre-operative education in parents whose children are scheduled for surgery.