Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication reduces minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion and emergence delirium in children: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Effects of different doses of intranasal dexmedetomidine on related complications and parents' satisfaction in anesthetized children: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Agitation/delirium is commonly seen in children after anesthesia, and a proper dose of dexmedetomidine can prevent this complication. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on agitation/delirium and other complications in anesthetized children, providing clinical evidence for dose recommendations of DEX.

METHODS

This study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Two independent researchers performed literature screening, data extraction, and assessed the methodological quality. Data analysis was conducted using R and STATA 16.0.

RESULTS

In the final analysis, 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2521 children were included. The results showed that in comparison to normal saline, 1 µg/kg, 1.5 µg/kg, and 2 µg/kg intranasal DEX significantly reduced the incidence of post-anesthetic emergence agitation in children with the most effective dose being 2 µg/kg (SUCRA = 0.91). Compared with normal saline, 1 µg/kg, 1.5 µg/kg, and 2 µg/kg intranasal DEX reduced patient's need for postoperative analgesia, with the most effective dose being 1.5 µg/kg (SUCRA = 0.78). However, 1 µg/kg DEX performed the best in reducing Pediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) Scale score (SUCRA = 0.88).

CONCLUSION

Compared with normal saline, intranasal administration of 2 µg/kg DEX and 1.5 µg/kg DEX are the optimal doses to reduce the incidence of agitation and the need for postoperative pain relief in children under general anesthesia. Given effectiveness and safety, intranasal use of 1 µg/kg DEX appears to be the most effective dosage for anesthetized children.

Effects of Pharmacological Intervention on Recovery After Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Children: a Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Sevoflurane, commonly administered to children as anesthesia, often leads to emergence delirium (ED). Currently, a consensus is lacking among clinicians regarding pharmacological interventions to improve recovery. To determine an effective approach, we compared the effects of several drugs in lowering the incidence of ED after sevoflurane anesthesia in children.We searched online databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (59 studies selected; 5199 NMA-eligible participants) and performed a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA). This study was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD: 42022329939).All included studies had a low to moderate risk of overall bias. The incidence of ED after sevoflurane anesthesia in children differed according to other drugs administered, and were ranked from high to low according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).Sufentanil (91.2%) and dexmedetomidine (77.6%) were more likely to reduce the incidence (SUCRA value) of ED, whereas the placebo (6.5%), ramelteon (11.1%), and magnesium (18%) were less likely to reduce the incidence of ED. Remifentanil (89.3%) ranked first in shortening emergence time, followed by placebo (82.4%) and ketamine (69.7%). Placebo shortened extubation time, followed by remifentanil (66.5%) and alfentanil (61.4%).Sufentanil and remifentanil lowered sevoflurane-induced ED incidences among children and shortened the emergence time more effectively than other drugs. Most adjuvant drugs that are combined with sevoflurane either do not change or may even prolong extubation time. Further research and clinical trials are required to support and update these conclusions.

Sevoflurane Exposure in Neonates Perturbs the Expression Patterns of Specific Genes That May Underly the Observed Learning and Memory Deficits

Exposure to commonly used anesthetics leads to neurotoxic effects in animal models-ranging from cell death to learning and memory deficits. These neurotoxic effects invoke a variety of molecular pathways, exerting either immediate or long-term effects at the cellular and behavioural levels. However, little is known about the gene expression changes following early neonatal exposure to these anesthetic agents. We report here on the effects of sevoflurane, a commonly used inhalational anesthetic, on learning and memory and identify a key set of genes that may likely be involved in the observed behavioural deficits. Specifically, we demonstrate that sevoflurane exposure in postnatal day 7 (P7) rat pups results in subtle, but distinct, memory deficits in the adult animals that have not been reported previously. Interestingly, when given intraperitoneally, pre-treatment with dexmedetomidine (DEX) could only prevent sevoflurane-induced anxiety in open field testing. To identify genes that may have been altered in the neonatal rats after sevoflurane and DEX exposure, specifically those impacting cellular viability, learning, and memory, we conducted an extensive Nanostring study examining over 770 genes. We found differential changes in the gene expression levels after exposure to both agents. A number of the perturbed genes found in this study have previously been implicated in synaptic transmission, plasticity, neurogenesis, apoptosis, myelination, and learning and memory. Our data thus demonstrate that subtle, albeit long-term, changes observed in an adult animal's learning and memory after neonatal anesthetic exposure may likely involve perturbation of specific gene expression patterns.

The effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine administration on emergence agitation or delirium in pediatric patients after general anesthesia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Emergence agitation or delirium can occur in pediatric patients after anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine is known to reduce the impairment of postoperative cognitive function.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify the role of intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine in lowering the development of emergence agitation or emergence delirium in pediatric patients after general anesthesia.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched to identify studies. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who underwent emergence agitation or emergence delirium after the surgery. Secondary outcomes included emergence time and incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting. We estimated the odds ratio and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals for the determination of effect size using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 2103 pediatric patients from 20 randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis. The incidence of emergence agitation or emergence delirium was 13.6% in the dexmedetomidine group and 33.2% in the control group. The pooled effect size revealed that intranasal dexmedetomidine administration significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative emergence agitation or emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.34; p = .0000; I²  = 37.74%). Additionally, significant difference was observed in emergence time between the two groups (mean difference 2.42, 95% confidence interval 0.37-4.46; p = .021; I²  = 98.40%). Children in the dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting than those in the control group (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.64; p = .0002; I²  = 0.00%).

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of emergence agitation or emergence delirium in pediatric patients after general anesthesia.

Effects of Dezocine on the Reduction of Emergence Delirium after Laparoscopic Surgery: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

In China, dezocine is commonly employed as a partial agonist of mu/kappa opioid receptors during anesthesia induction for surgical patients, yet evidence supporting its causal association with emergence delirium is limited. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of intravenous dezocine administered during anesthesia induction on emergence delirium. The retrospective studied existing data containing medical records of patients undergoing an elective laparoscopy procedure and the study was conducted with ethics-board approval. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium. Secondary outcomes included the VAS in the PACU and 24 h after surgery, the RASS score in the PACU, postoperative MMSE, hospital stay, and ICU stay. A total of 681 patients were analyzed, after being propensity score-matched, the dezocine and non-dezocine group each had 245 patients. Emergence delirium occurred in 26/245 (10.6%) of patients who received dezocine and 41/245 (16.7%) of patients did not receive dezocine. Patients on whom dezocine was used were associated with a significantly lower incidence of emergence delirium (absolute risk difference, −6.1%, 95% CI, −12% to −0.2%; relative risk [RR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.18–0.74). All secondary outcome measures and adverse outcomes were not significantly different. The use of dezocine during anesthesia induction was associated with a decreased incidence of emergence delirium after elective laparoscopic surgeries.

Efficacy of different doses of intranasal dexmedetomidine in preventing emergence agitation in children with inhalational anaesthesia: A prospective randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Emergence agitation is a common paediatric complication after inhalational anaesthesia. Intranasal dexmedetomidine can prevent emergence agitation effectively, but the optimal dose is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the 95% effective dose (ED 95 ) of intranasal dexmedetomidine for the prevention of emergence agitation after inhalational anaesthesia for paediatric ambulatory surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center in China from August 2017 to December 2018.

PATIENTS

Three hundred and eighteen children scheduled for ambulatory surgery were enrolled into two age groups of less than 3 years and at least 3 years.

INTERVENTIONS

The children in each age group were randomised into five equal subgroups to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 μg kg -1 (Groups D 0.5 , D 1.0 , D 1.5 and D 2.0 ), or intranasal isotonic saline (group C) after induction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the ED 95 dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for preventing emergence agitation after inhalational anaesthesia for paediatric ambulatory surgery.

RESULTS

The incidences of emergence agitation for Groups C, D 0.5 , D 1.0 , D 1.5 and D 2.0 were 63, 40, 23, 13 and 3% in children less than 3 years, and 43, 27, 17, 7 and 3% in children at least 3 years. The ED 95 of intranasal dexmedetomidine for preventing emergence agitation was 1.99 μg kg -1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83 to 3.80 μg kg -1 ] in children less than 3 years, and 1.78  μg kg -1 (95% CI, 0.93 to 4.29 μg kg -1 ) in children at least 3 years. LMA removal time for groups D 1.5 and D 2.0 was 9.6 ± 2.2 and 9.7 ± 2.5 min, respectively, for children less than 3 years, and 9.4 ± 2.0 and 9.9 ± 2.7 min in children at least 3 years, respectively. Length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit for Groups D 1.5 and D 2.0 was 34.3 ± 9.6 and 37.1 ± 11.2 min, respectively, in children less than 3 years, and 34.7 ± 10.2 and 37.3 ± 8.3 min in children at least 3 years, respectively. These times were longer in the D 1.5 and D 2.0 subgroups than in the control subgroup in the two age groups of less than 3 years and at least 3 years, respectively: 7.2 ± 1.9 min in children less than 3 years and 7.3 ± 2.5 min in children at least 3 years for LMA removal time, 22.2 ± 7.9 min in children less than 3 years and 22.0 ± 7.7 min in children at least 3 years for PACU stay time in control subgroup, respectively ( P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intranasal dexmedetomidine prevented emergence agitation after paediatric surgery in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for preventing emergence agitation was higher in younger children.

TRIAL REGISTRY

chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR-IOR-17012415.

Comparison of intravenous injection of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine effectiveness on the prevention of laryngospasm and analgesic requirement in tonsillectomy

The aim of the present study is to compare the effect of intravenous (IV)injectionof magnesium sulfate and lidocaine on the prevention of laryngospasm, and analgesic requirement in tonsillectomy surgeries. In this double-blinded clinical trial, 62 children are randomly selected and categorized into two groups. Two minutes after intubation, group A received 15 mg/kg IV magnesium sulfate, while group B received 1 mg/kg IV 2% lidocaine. Laryngospasm frequency, nausea and vomiting, hemodynamic status (in 15 minutes after extubating), sedation score, analgesic requirement, and duration of recovery were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and with a 95% confidence interval. Both groups had no significant difference based on the age and weight means, as well as sex frequency. 10 patients (32.3%) in the lidocaine group and 3 patients in the magnesium group (9.7%) had stridor, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.026). Laryngospasm only occurred in a patient of the lidocaine group. The frequency of nausea and vomiting, agitation and analgesic requirement in the lidocaine group were higher than the magnesium group (p= 0.001). However, sedation score and recovery time were higher in the magnesium group (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of hemodynamics. Magnesium sulfate and lidocaine had no difference in the incidence of laryngospasm, but magnesium sulfate was associated with a lower rate of stridor, nausea, vomiting, agitation and analgesic requirement in recovery in comparison to lidocaine.

Comparison of different sedatives in children before general anaesthesia for selective surgery: A network meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

It is estimated that 60% of children undergoing anaesthesia develop severe preoperative anxiety. The anxiety is associated with adverse reactions. Sedatives such as dexmedetomidine, midazolam, clonidine, ketamine, and melatonin can be used as premedication against preoperative anxiety. However, no consensus has been reached on the choice of pre-anaesthetic sedatives in children before selective surgery. Therefore, the current network meta-analysis (NMA) was carried out to evaluate different sedatives in children aged between 1 and 7 before general anaesthesia for selective surgery.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases from inception to October 22, 2021. Primary outcomes showed satisfactory sedation at parent separation and also at induction or mask acceptance. Secondary outcomes were those related to added benefits and side effects. The present NMA was conducted using the R software. Results of the study were reported as Relative Risk (RR) or Mean Difference (MD) at a 95% credible intervals (CrIs).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 48 trials were included in the present study. It was found that the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, clonidine, and ketamine were superior to that of placebo in satisfactory sedation at parent separation and induction or mask acceptance. There was no significant difference between melatonin and placebo in satisfactory sedation at induction or mask acceptance. Dexmedetomidine, ketamine, clonidine, and melatonin were superior to placebo in reducing emergence delirium (ED). In addition, midazolam prolonged the length of stay in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) as compared with placebo. Dexmedetomidine caused a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR). Nevertheless, it was noted that the hemodynamic changes were roughly within safety limits.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

It was evident that the studied drugs can provide effective sedation with exception of melatonin and placebo. However, it was found that midazolam, ketamine, and clonidine lead to several side effects. The findings of the present study supported that dexmedetomidine, especially intranasal administration, has potential in the optimal selection of the sedatives for premedication in children. This is because the drug has effective sedation, reduced incidence of ED, side effects, and onset time.

Minimal alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in combination with dexmedetomidine in patients with hysteroscopy: An up-down sequential allocation study

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine is commonly used in hysteroscopy surgery due to its analgesia and sedation without respiratory depression. Many studies have shown that dexmedetomidine can reduce the consumption of sevoflurane. However, the optimal end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane when it is co-administered with dexmedetomidine has not been established. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for cervical dilatation combined with different doses of dexmedetomidine in patients with hysteroscopy surgery.

METHODS

One-hundred patients undergoing hysteroscopy surgery were enrolled in this clinical trial. All the patients were randomly assigned into four groups (C, D₁ , D₂ , D₃ ) and received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 μg/kg) over 10 min before anaesthesia induction, respectively. Anaesthesia was induced in each patient with 5% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen via a facemask. A laryngeal mask (LMA) was inserted when the patient had lost consciousness and the BIS value decreased below 40. The response to cervical dilatation stimulus (movement vs non-movement) by the insert of hysteroscope was recorded. The MAC of sevoflurane was measured by up and down sequential method of Dixon and Mood and centred isotonic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The calculated MAC of sevoflurane using up-and-down method of Dixon and Mood in patients with hysteroscopy surgery was (1.90 ± 0.13)%, (1.23 ± 0.16)%, (1.03 ± 0.10)% and (0.93 ± 0.08)% in groups C, D₁ , D₂ and D₃ , respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of dexmedetomidine can significantly decrease the MAC of sevoflurane for hysteroscopy surgery. However, a ceiling effect of the reduction was observed when the dose of dexmedetomidine was higher than 0.8 μg/kg.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine combined with sevoflurane anesthesia on emergence agitation in children

BACKGROUND

The incidence of restlessness in the wake-up period of sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia is high. Although many studies have explored the relationship between dexmedetomidine and restlessness in the wake-up period of sevoflurane anesthesia in children, they can't keep consistent conclusions and lack evidence-based medical evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in the treatment of restlessness during the recovery period of sevoflurane anesthesia in children, and to provide reference for clinic.

METHODS

Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Science Direct, The Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM). The Chinese and English search keywords included "dexmedetomidine", "children", "sevoflurane", and "emergence agitation". The articles included were independently evaluated and cross-checked by 2 professionals in strict accordance with the 5 evaluation criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 5.0.1).

RESULTS

A total of 16 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Of the 16 RCTs, 14 described the generation of random sequences in detail, 8 described allocation concealment in detail, no patient blinding was described due to different surgical methods, 8 articles used operator blinding, and all 16 articles had complete outcome measures. The incidence of emergence agitation in the 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant [odds ratio (OR) =0.22, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.40, P<0.00001]. The incidence of analgesic rescue in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.63, Z =3.13, P=0.002). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (OR =0.33, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.55, Z =4.29, P<0.0001).

DISCUSSION

The results of this meta-analysis confirmed that dexmedetomidine could reduce the incidence of emergence agitation, postoperative analgesic rescue, and nausea and vomiting in children after sevoflurane anesthesia.

The frequency of emergence delirium in children undergoing outpatient anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect on the occurrence of emergence delirium of propofol and ketofol with intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam applied as premedication to paediatric patients during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

The study included children aged 2-10 years who received sedation for MRI, separated into four groups. Group MP (midazolam-propofol) received intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) for premedication and intravenous (IV) propofol (1 mg/kg) as the anaesthetic agent. Group MK (midazolam-ketofol) received intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) for premedication and IV ketofol (1 mg/kg) as the anaesthetic agent. Group DP (dexmedetomidine-propofol) received intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg) for premedication and IV propofol (1 mg/kg) as the anaesthetic agent. Group DK (dexmedetomidine-ketofol) received intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg) for premedication and IV ketofol (1 mg/kg) as the anaesthetic agent. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale was used to evaluate delirium. A PAED score ≥ 10 was accepted as delirium.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis was made of 140 paediatric patients. Delirium developed in 1.42% of all the patients, and in 5.7% of Group MP. The mean Aldrete and PAED scores were lower and the length of stay in the recovery room was shorter in Group DP than in the other groups. The need for additional anaesthetic was highest in Group DP at 94.3% and lowest in Group DK at 14.3%. The groups administered ketofol were observed to have a lower requirement for additional anaesthetic.

CONCLUSION

Delirium was seen at a very low rate only in the Group MP and it is difficult to say the best combination in terms of delirium frequency. However, intranasal dexmedetomidine and IV ketofol seem to be better and safer than the other groups in terms of the need for additional doses and the number of side effects. The addition of ketamine to propofol reduces the need for additional doses with a synergistic effect.

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.

Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication in children with recent upper respiratory tract infection undergoing interventional cardiac catheterisation: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Recent upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a risk factor for the occurrence of peri-operative respiratory adverse events (PRAE). This risk may be higher in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly in those undergoing interventional cardiac catheterisation. It is therefore essential to adapt the anaesthetic strategy in these children to prevent from the occurrence of PRAE.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intranasal dexmedetomidine (DEX) premedication can reduce the incidence of PRAE in children with recent URI undergoing interventional cardiac catheterisation.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Single-centre study based at a tertiary care centre in Shanghai, China.

PATIENTS

A total of 134 children with CHD aged 0 to 16 years with recent URI undergoing interventional cardiac catheterisation.

INTERVENTIONS

Children were randomised to receive either intranasal DEX 1.5 μg kg (DEX group) or intranasal saline (Placebo group) 30 to 45 min before anaesthesia induction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of PRAE.

RESULTS

Intranasal DEX significantly reduced the incidence of PRAE (P = 0.001), particularly oxygen desaturation (P = 0.012). Most PRAE were observed during the emergence phase. The incidence of PRAE was comparable among the three types of left-right shunt CHD children in both groups. In children aged less than 3 years, the incidence of PRAE was significantly lower in the DEX group (P = 0.003). In contrast, the incidence of PRAE was comparable between the two groups in children aged at least 3 years. No differences in the incidence of emergence agitation, fever and vomiting between the two groups were noted.

CONCLUSION

Administration of intranasal DEX 1.5 μg kg 30 to 45 min before induction led to a reduction in the incidence of PRAE in children aged less than 3 years with recent URI undergoing interventional cardiac catheterisation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR-RRC-17012519.

Effect of different administration and dosage of dexmedetomidine in the reduction of emergence agitation in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with sequential trial analysis

BACKGROUND

Beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) against emergence agitation (EA) in children remain controversial. We performed a more comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the protective effect of different administration routes, timing, patterns, and doses of DEX on EA in children.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trials about DEX preventing EA in children were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Sciences up to October 7, 2020. The traditional meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to study the influence of DEX on EA in children. The sequential trial analysis (TSA) further analyzed the pooled results to evaluate meta-analyses' robustness. Grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess evidence quality.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies with 5,688 pediatric patients were included. DEX significantly decreased EA in children compared to placebo [RR 0.29, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.25-0.34] and midazolam (RR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.25-0.45), with firm evidence from TSA. Notably, using DEX significantly reduced severe EA incidence (RR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.32), with firm evidence by TSA and high quality of GRADE. Pre-specified subgroup analyses revealed firm and high-quality evidence for a reduction of EA, only if the perineural route administers DEX (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14-0.41), as premedication (RR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.20-0.36), as continuous dosage (RR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.18-0.33), at high dose (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.18-0.31). The pooled results also showed that DEX reduced the incidence of PONV compared to placebo (RR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.33-0.55). Evidence for DEX's influence on other secondary outcomes (emergence time, time in PACU, rescue analgesia, hypotension, and bradycardia) is insufficient to draw any conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the beneficial effects of DEX on EA, severe EA, and PONV in children. There was firm and high-quality evidence for the efficacy of DEX in preventing EA in children when perineural routes administered DEX, as premedication, as continuous dosage, and at a high dose. The best dose, route, patterns, and timing of DEX and influence on other outcomes call for further studies.

Comparative Effects of Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Remifentanil Versus Inhalational Sevoflurane with Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery

Background

Emergence delirium (ED) is common after strabismus surgery due to postoperative visual disturbance, vomiting, and pain. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has many advantages like smooth emergence from anesthesia, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and postoperative analgesia.

Objectives

Our study aimed to compare the incidence of ED using inhalational sevoflurane with dexmedetomidine (DEX) versus TIVA with remifentanil.

Methods

Eighty-four patients aged 3 - 11 years scheduled for strabismus surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients in group I received sevoflurane and DEX (group I, n = 42), while group II patients received TIVA with propofol and remifentanil infusion (group II, n = 42). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and pulse oximetry (SpO₂) were monitored before induction, at induction, and every 10 minutes during the surgery. In the postanesthetic care unit (PACU), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED), face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC), need for rescue analgesics, recovery time, level of parents' satisfaction, and PONV were recorded.

Results

Based on the results, HR and MAP significantly decreased 10 and 20 min after induction compared to baseline in group I after infusion of DEX. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in group II than in group I, while the recovery time was significantly shorter in group I. The incidence of emergence delirium decreased in both groups.

Conclusions

The use of either total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil or sevoflurane inhalational anesthesia with dexmedetomidine resulted in a lower incidence of emergence delirium, although dexmedetomidine resulted in hypotension, bradycardia, and PONV.

Behavioral and Emotional Disorders in Children and Their Anesthetic Implications

While most children have anxiety and fears in the hospital environment, especially prior to having surgery, there are several common behavioral and emotional disorders in children that can pose a challenge in the perioperative setting. These include anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this review article is to provide a brief overview of each disorder, explore the impact on anesthesia and perioperative care, and highlight some management techniques that can be used to facilitate a smooth perioperative course.

Tracheal extubation of anesthetized pediatric patients with heart disease decreases the incidence of emergence agitation: A retrospective study

Background

Emergence agitation for pediatric patients after general anesthesia is one of the postoperative complications. The relationship between consciousness at tracheal extubation and emergence agitation is not clear.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine whether tracheal extubation of anesthetized pediatric patients with heart disease by propofol decreases the incidence of emergence agitation.

Settings and Design

This was a retrospective case-control study conducted at a children's hospital. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with heart disease aged 0-14 years who underwent cardiac catheterization under general anesthesia by propofol between October 2014 and September 2018 were enrolled. The incidence of emergence agitation by anesthetized extubation was compared with that by awake extubation.

Statistical Analysis Used

Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Anesthetized extubation was performed in 202 patients and awake extubation was performed in 56 patients. The incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in patients who underwent anesthetized extubation than in patients who underwent awake extubation (25.2% vs. 69.6%, P = 0.000). In logistic regression analysis, anesthetized extubation [odds ratio (OR): 0.075, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.034-0.165, P = 0.000] and older age (OR: 0.808, 95% CI: 0.728-0.897, P = 0.000) were associated with a decreased incidence of emergence agitation, and preoperative anxiety (OR: 2.220, 95% CI: 1.060-4.660, P = 0.03) was associated with an increased incidence of emergence agitation.

Conclusions

Tracheal extubation under anesthesia by propofol decreases the incidence of emergence agitation in pediatric patients with heart disease.

Publication bias in pediatric emergence delirium: a cross-sectional analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov and ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu

OBJECTIVES

Emergence delirium (ED) is a frequent and potentially serious complication of general anaesthesia in children. Although there are various treatment strategies, no general management recommendations can be made. Selective reporting of study results may impair clinical decision-making. We, therefore, analysed whether the results of completed registered clinical studies in patients with paediatric ED are publicly available or remain unpublished.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

ClinicalTrials.gov and ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu.

PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

We determined the proportion of published and unpublished studies registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu that were marked as completed by 1st September 2018. The major trial and literature databases were used to search for publications. In addition, the study investigators were contacted directly. For published trials, time to publication was calculated as the difference in months between study completion date and publication date.

RESULTS

Of the 44 registered studies on paediatric ED, only 24 (54%) were published by September 2019. Published trials contained data from n=2556 patients, whereas n=1644 patients were enrolled in unpublished trials. Median time to publication was 19 months. Studies completed in recent years were published faster, but still only 9 of 24 trials were published within 12 months of completion.

CONCLUSION

There is a distinct publication gap in clinical research in paediatric ED that may have an impact on meta-analyses and clinical practice.

Dexmedetomidine: What's New for Pediatrics? A Narrative Review

Over the past few years, despite the lack of approved pediatric labelling, dexmedetomidine’s (DEX) use has become more prevalent in pediatric clinical practice as well as in research trials. Its respiratory-sparing effects and bioavailability by various routes are only some of the valued features of DEX. In recent years the potential organ-protective effects of DEX, with the possibility for preserving neurocognitive function, has put it in the forefront of clinical and bench research. This comprehensive review focused on the pediatric literature but presents relevant, supporting adult and animal studies in order to detail the recent growing body of literature around the pharmacology, end-organ effects, organ-protective effects, alternative routes of administration, synergetic effects, and clinical applications, with considerations for the future.

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Emergence Agitation or Delirium in Children After Anesthesia-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies

Background: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the clinical effect of dexmedetomidine in preventing pediatric emergence agitation (EA) or delirium (ED) following anesthesia compared with placebo or other sedatives. Methods: The databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until 8th January 2020. Inclusion criteria were participants with age<18 years and studies of comparison between dexmedetomidine and placebo or other sedatives. Exclusion criteria included adult studies; duplicate publications; management with dexmedetomidine alone; review or meta-analysis; basic research; article published as abstract, letter, case report, editorial, note, method, or protocol; and article presented in non-English language. Results: Fifty-eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five case-control trials (CCTs) including 7,714 patients were included. The results showed that dexmedetomidine significantly decreased the incidence of post-anesthesia EA or ED compared with placebo [OR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.16, 0.32), I 2 = 75, P < 0.00001], midazolam [OR = 0.36, 95% CI: (0.21, 0.63), I 2 = 57, P = 0.0003], and opioids [OR = 0.55, 95% CI: (0.33, 0.91), I 2 = 0, P = 0.02], whereas the significant difference was not exhibited compared with propofol (or pentobarbital) [OR = 0.56, 95% CI: (0.15, 2.14), I 2 = 58, P = 0.39], ketamine [OR = 0.43, 95% CI: (0.19, 1.00), I 2 = 0, P = 0.05], clonidine [OR = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.20, 1.45), P = 0.22], chloral hydrate [OR = 0.98, 95% CI: (0.26, 3.78), P = 0.98], melatonin [OR = 1.0, 95% CI: (0.13, 7.72), P = 1.00], and ketofol [OR = 0.55, 95% CI: (0.16, 1.93), P = 0.35]. Conclusion: Compared with placebo, midazolam, and opioids, dexmedetomidine significantly decreased the incidence of post-anesthesia EA or ED in pediatric patients. However, dexmedetomidine did not exhibit this superiority compared with propofol and ketamine. With regard to clonidine, chloral hydrate, melatonin, and ketofol, the results needed to be further tested due to the fact that only one trial was included for each control drug.

Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture to prevent emergence delirium in children undergoing myringotomy tube placement

BACKGROUND

Myringotomy tube placement is a pediatric procedure frequently performed under inhalational anesthesia without intravenous line placement. Emergence delirium is common following sevoflurane anesthesia, and can lead to patient harm and escalation of nursing care. Our goal was to determine if intraoperative acupuncture, compared to standard of care, reduces emergence delirium in children undergoing myringotomy tube placement.

METHODS

Single center, randomized, controlled trial at a university hospital, including children ages 1-6 years with ASA physical status 1-3 scheduled for myringotomy tube placement. Participants were stratified based on midazolam premedication and randomized to intraoperative acupuncture (AC, N.=49) or standard anesthesia care (SC, N.=50). Acupuncture needles were placed in bilateral Heart 7 (HT7) and ear Shen Men points after anesthesia induction. A blinded observer in the PACU assessed emergence delirium using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Endpoints were highest PAED score in the recovery room and post-discharge agitation and sleep quality.

RESULTS

Patient baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. With midazolam premedication, the highest PAED score was 11.6 in patients receiving AC and 12.0 for SC. Without midazolam premedication, the highest PAED was 11.8 in patients receiving AC and 10.7 for SC. The overall PAED score difference between AC and SC groups was 0.33 (95% CI -1.5, 2.2, P=0.723).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative acupuncture at HT7 and ear Shen Men did not reduce PAED scores after myringotomy tube placement. Based on these data, it is therefore unlikely that a larger study of the same design would demonstrate a significant effect of intraoperative acupuncture on emergence delirium after brief sevoflurane anesthesia. However, other acupuncture points or techniques could be considered.

Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane with Cisatracurium for Endotracheal Intubation in Neonates

Background

Sevoflurane inhalation induction is widely used in pediatric anesthesia, but the minimum alveolar concentration for endotracheal intubation (MAC_EI) when combined with neuromuscular blockade in neonates has been largely unexplored. This study assessed the MAC_EI of sevoflurane combined with cisatracurium in neonates.

Material/Methods

Anesthesia induction was commenced by inhaling 4% sevoflurane with 2 l/min of 100% oxygen via mask. Neonates were administered cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg followed by adjustment of inspired sevoflurane to target end-tidal concentration based on intubation condition of the preceding subject. When the steady-state end-tidal sevoflurane concentration target was maintained for at least 15 min, endotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscope was performed. The intubation condition was considered failed if either heart rate (HR) after intubation increased by 20% or mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) by 30% or more than that before intubation. Otherwise, the intubation condition was regarded as successful. Dixon’s up-and-down method was used with 0.2% as the step size to determine the target end-tidal sevoflurane concentration.

Results

The MAC_EI of sevoflurane combined with cisatracurium in neonates was 2.76±0.24%. Using probit analysis, the 50% effective end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (ED₅₀) for successful condition of endotracheal intubation was 2.61% (95%CI 2.07–2.88%) and the 95% effective end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (ED₉₅) was 3.28% (95%CI 2.95–7.19%). Hypotension and bradycardia occurred in 2 neonates during induction.

Conclusions

Sevoflurane combined with cisatracurium is feasible and effective for intubation in neonates, and the MAC_EI of sevoflurane in this subpopulation is 2.76±0.24%. However, cardiovascular adverse effects should be taken into consideration.

A feasibility study of jaw thrust as an indicator assessing adequate depth of anesthesia for insertion of supraglottic airway device in morbidly obese patients

Background:

Jaw thrust has been proven as a useful test determining adequate depth of anesthesia for successful insertion of supraglottic airway device (SAD) in normal adults and children receiving intra-venous or inhalational anesthesia induction. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the feasibility and validity of this test when using as an indicator assessing adequate depth of anesthesia for successful insertion of SAD in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients receiving sevoflurane inhalational induction.

Methods:

Thirty morbidly obese patients with a body mass index 40 to 73 kg/m² undergoing bariatric surgery in Beijing Friendship Hospital from October 2018 to January 2019 were included in this study. After adequate pre-oxygenation, 5% sevoflurane was inhaled and inhalational concentration of sevoflurane was increased by 1% every 2 min. After motor responses to jaw thrust disappeared, a SAD was inserted and insertion conditions were graded. The anatomic position of SAD was assessed using a fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Results:

The SAD was successfully inserted at the first attempt in all patients. Insertion conditions of SAD were excellent in nine patients (30%) and good in 21 patients (70%), respectively. The fiberoptic views of SAD position were adequate in 28 patients (93%).

Conclusions:

Jaw thrust test is a reliable indicator determining adequate anesthesia depth of sevoflurane inhalational induction for successful insertion of SAD in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients.

Clinical trial registration:

ChiCTR1800016868; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=28646.

Use of dexmedetomidine in pediatric cardiac anesthesia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, ultrafast-track anesthesia with on-table extubation and concepts of accelerated postoperative care have gained increasing support in pediatric congenital cardiac surgery. It is believed that such approaches might ideally combine economic benefits with a striving for continuous improvement of patient outcomes. The present review summarizes the role of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in this setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

DEX is a clinical multipurpose drug that mediates its diverse responses through the activation of α2-adrenoreceptors. In pediatric cardiac surgery it has various applications. Used as a premedication, DEX provides arousable sedation and anxiolysis. As an intraoperative adjunctive agent of balanced general anesthesia the primary objectives for its administration are attenuation of the neuro-humoral stress response and facilitation of early extubation. During ICU treatment DEX spares opioids, prevents the risk of postoperative delirium or emergence agitation and impacts on important patient-centered outcomes, such as duration of mechanical ventilation, restart of enteral nutrition or length of ICU stay.

SUMMARY

Due to a favorable mix of beneficial physiologic actions and a limited adverse effect profile, DEX is established in the perioperative pediatric cardiac surgery setting. However, evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials on the effects of supplemental DEX on meaningful patient outcomes is scarce, and research on the role of DEX in providing cardioprotection, neuroprotection, or renoprotection is still at its beginning. DEX has developed to one of the main agents in the armamentarium of cardiac anesthesiologists and pediatric intensivists, but it should not be regarded as the new 'magic bullet'.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexmedetomidine in Children Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an α-2 adrenergic agonist with sedative and analgesic properties. Although not approved for pediatric use by the Food and Drug Administration, DEX is increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia and critical care. However, very limited information is available regarding the pharmacokinetics of DEX in children. The aim of this study was to investigate DEX pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) in Mexican children 2-18 years of age who were undergoing outpatient surgical procedures.

METHODS

Thirty children 2-18 years of age with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score of I/II were enrolled in this study. DEX (0.7 μg/kg) was administered as a single-dose intravenous infusion. Venous blood samples were collected, and plasma DEX concentrations were analyzed with a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Population PK-PD models were constructed using the Monolix program.

RESULTS

A 2-compartment model adequately described the concentration-time relationship. The parameters were standardized for a body weight of 70 kg by using an allometric model. Population parameters estimates were as follows: mean (between-subject variability): clearance (Cl) (L/h × 70 kg) = 20.8 (27%); central volume of distribution (V1) (L × 70 kg) = 21.9 (20%); peripheral volume of distribution (V2) (L × 70 kg) = 81.2 (21%); and intercompartmental clearance (Q) (L/h × 70 kg) = 75.8 (25%). The PK-PD model predicted a maximum mean arterial blood pressure reduction of 45% with an IC50 of 0.501 ng/ml, and a maximum heart rate reduction of 28.9% with an IC50 of 0.552 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that in Mexican children 2-18 years of age with American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I/II, the DEX dose should be adjusted in accordance with lower DEX clearance.

A study on cuff pressure of laryngeal mask for airway management of child patients undergoing operation

BACKGROUND

To investigate the cuff pressure of laryngeal mask for airway management of child patients undergoing operations.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-eight children who underwent general anesthesia in our hospital from June 2014 to May 2017 were enrolled, 46 children from June 2014 to September 2014 were selected as group A (20 cmH2O pressure group). 46 patients from October 2014 to January 2015 were selected as group B (40 cmH2O pressure group), and 46 patients from February 2015 to May 2015 were selected as group C (60 cmH2O pressure group). The pressure of all child patients was adjusted to the appointed pressure by using cuff pressure gauge. The operation situation, insertion of laryngeal mask, oropharyngeal leakage pressure(OLP), airway peak pressure(Ppeak), difference value of exhaled tidal volume(∆VT) and adverse reactions of the child patients from three groups were compared.

RESULTS

The differences in anesthesia time, recovery time, insertion time of laryngeal mask, removal time of laryngeal mask, operation duration and Ppeak showed no statistical significance (P>0.05); the successful rates of first insertion of laryngeal mask of group A, group B and group C were 89.13%, 100.00% and 93.47%, respectively. The OLPs of Group B and C were higher than that of Group A, and that of Group C was higher than Group B. ∆VT of Group B and C were lower than that of Group A, and that of Group B was lower than that of Group C. The total incidence rates of adverse reactions of three groups were 39.11%, 15.21% and 28.23%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimum cuff pressure of laryngeal mask is 40 cmH2O for child patients during the airway management, which can effectively increase OLP, decrease ∆VT and incidence rate of adverse reactions, worthy of further recommendation and application in clinical practices.

Dexmedetomidine reduces sevoflurane EC50 for supraglottic airway device insertion in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) on sevoflurane EC₅₀ for supraglottic airway device (SAD) insertion in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients.

Patients and methods: Thirty-eight morbidly obese patients with a body mass index 40–57 kg/m² who were scheduled for bariatric surgery under general anesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to two groups receiving the different treatments: group S, saline was given intravenously, and group D, a bolus dose of DEX 1 μg/kg was administered intravenously over 10 mins, followed by intravenous DEX infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h. Five percent sevoflurane was initially inhaled for anesthesia induction and then end-tidal expiratory sevoflurane concentration (ET_sev) was adjusted to a target value as to the modified Dixon’s up-and-down method. Patients’ response to SAD insertion was classified as “movement” or “no movement”. The average of the midpoints of all crossover points was defined as calculated sevoflurane EC₅₀ for successful SAD insertion. Furthermore, the probit regression analysis was used to determine sevoflurane end-tidal concentrations where 50% (EC₅₀) and 95% (EC₉₅) insertions of SAD were successful. After the observation was completed, flexible bronchoscope-guided intubation was performed through the SAD.

Results: The calculated sevoflurane EC₅₀ for successful SAD insertion was significantly lower in group D than in group S (1.75±0.32% vs 2.92±0.26%, p<0.001). By the probit regression analysis, EC₅₀ and EC₉₅ of sevoflurane for successful SAD insertion were 1.59% (95% CI, 1.22–1.90%) and 2.15% (95% CI, 1.86–3.84%) in group D, respectively, and 2.81% (95% CI, 2.35–3.29%) and 3.32% (3.02–6.74%) in group S.

Conclusion: When sevoflurane inhalational induction is performed in spontaneous breathing morbidly obese patients, intravenous DEX can reduce sevoflurane EC₅₀ for successful SAD insertion by about 40%.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: No. ChiCTR1800016868

Dexmedetomidine for the prevention of emergence delirium and postoperative behavioral changes in pediatric patients with sevoflurane anesthesia: a double-blind, randomized trial

Objectives

Emergence delirium (ED) is a common neurologic complication that can not only distress children and their families in the early postanesthetic period, but can also have adverse effects on children in the long-term. This study aimed to investigate the effects of single-dose dexmedetomidine on ED in children with sevoflurane anesthesia and to observe postoperative behavioral changes through long-term follow-up.

Methods

Patients aged 2-7 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists class (ASA) I or II, scheduled for tonsillectomy with and without adenoidectomy were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg (Group D) or volume-matched normal saline (Group C) over 10 minutes after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of ED within 30 minutes after extubation. Other outcomes were the incidence of pain, extubation time, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay after extubation, adverse events, and the incidence of negative postoperative behavioral changes (NPOBCs).

Results

Ninety children completed the study. Compared with the control group (Group C), dexmedetomidine decreased the incidence of ED (31.1% vs 53.3%; P=0.033) and pain (28.9% vs 57.8%; P=0.006), but it prolonged extubation time (P⩽0.001). PACU length of stay after extubation and the percentage of adverse events were similar between groups. The incidence of NPOBCs in Group D was significantly lower at 1 and 7 days after discharge (33.3% vs 60.0%; P=0.011% and 24.4% vs 46.7%; P=0.028, respectively) than it was in Group C, but no significant difference was found at the 30th day.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg reduced the incidence of ED after sevoflurane anesthesia and might be used to prevent NPOBCs.

Clinical trials registration

ChiCTR1800016828.

Paediatric emergence delirium: a comprehensive review and interpretation of the literature

There remain unanswered questions and implications related to emergence delirium in children. Although we know that there are some predisposing factors to emergence delirium, we still are unable to predict accurately those who are at greatest risk. Emergence delirium should be considered as a ‘vital sign’, which should be followed and documented in every child in the postanaesthesia recovery period. Standardized screening tools should be adopted for paediatric emergence delirium.

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine is an α₂-adrenoceptor agonist with sedative, anxiolytic, sympatholytic, and analgesic-sparing effects, and minimal depression of respiratory function. It is potent and highly selective for α₂-receptors with an α₂:α₁ ratio of 1620:1. Hemodynamic effects, which include transient hypertension, bradycardia, and hypotension, result from the drug’s peripheral vasoconstrictive and sympatholytic properties. Dexmedetomidine exerts its hypnotic action through activation of central pre- and postsynaptic α₂-receptors in the locus coeruleus, thereby inducting a state of unconsciousness similar to natural sleep, with the unique aspect that patients remain easily rousable and cooperative. Dexmedetomidine is rapidly distributed and is mainly hepatically metabolized into inactive metabolites by glucuronidation and hydroxylation. A high inter-individual variability in dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics has been described, especially in the intensive care unit population. In recent years, multiple pharmacokinetic non-compartmental analyses as well as population pharmacokinetic studies have been performed. Body size, hepatic impairment, and presumably plasma albumin and cardiac output have a significant impact on dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics. Results regarding other covariates remain inconclusive and warrant further research. Although initially approved for intravenous use for up to 24 h in the adult intensive care unit population only, applications of dexmedetomidine in clinical practice have been widened over the past few years. Procedural sedation with dexmedetomidine was additionally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2003 and dexmedetomidine has appeared useful in multiple off-label applications such as pediatric sedation, intranasal or buccal administration, and use as an adjuvant to local analgesia techniques.

Comparison of oral dexmedetomidine and midazolam for premedication and emergence delirium in children after dental procedures under general anesthesia: a retrospective study

Background

Premedication is the most common way to minimize distress in children entering the operating room and to facilitate the smooth induction of anesthesia and is accomplished using various sedative drugs before the children are being transferred to the operating room. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of oral dexmedetomidine (DEX) and oral midazolam (MID) on preoperative cooperation and emergence delirium (ED) among children who underwent dental procedures at our hospital between 2016 and 2017.

Patients and methods

The medical records of 52 children, who were American Society of Anesthesiologists I, aged between 3 and 7 years, and who underwent full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA), were evaluated. Twenty-six patients were given 2 µg/kg of DEX, while another 26 patients were given 0.5 mg/kg of MID in apple juice as premedication agents. The patients’ scores on the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), Parental Separation Anxiety Scale (PSAS), Mask Acceptance Scale, Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS), and hemodynamic parameters were recorded from patients’ files. The level of sedation of children had been observed just before premedication and at 15, 30, and 45 min after premedication. The data were analyzed using a chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, and analysis of variance in SPSS.

Results

The Mask Acceptance Scale and PSAS scores and RSS scores at 15, 30, and 45 min after premedication were not statistically different (p>0.05) in both groups, whereas the PAEDS scores were significantly lower in the DEX group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Oral DEX provided satisfactory sedation levels, ease of parental separation, and mask acceptance in children in a manner similar to MID. Moreover, children premedicated with DEX experienced lesser ED than those premedicated with MID.

Intravenous dexmedetomidine pre-medication reduces the required minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for smooth tracheal extubation in anesthetized children: a randomized clinical trial

Background

It has been known that Dexmedetomidine pre-medication enhances the effects of volatile anesthetics, reduces the need of sevoflurane, and facilitates smooth extubation in anesthetized children. This present study was designed to determine the effects of different doses of intravenous dexmedetomidine pre-medication on minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for smooth tracheal extubation (MAC_EX) in anesthetized children.

Methods

A total of seventy-five pediatric patients, aged 3–7 years, ASA physical status I and II, and undergoing tonsillectomy were randomized to receive intravenous saline (Group D₀), dexmedetomidine 1 μg∙kg⁻¹ (Group D₁), or dexmedetomidine 2 μg∙kg⁻¹ (Group D₂) approximately 10 min before anesthesia start. Sevoflurane was used for anesthesia induction and anesthesia maintenance. At the end of surgery, the initial concentration of sevoflurane for smooth tracheal extubation was determined according to the modified Dixon’s “up-and-down” method. The starting sevoflurane for the first patient was 1.5% in Group D₀, 1.0% in Group D₁, and 0.8% in Group D₂, with subsequent 0.1% up or down in next patient based on whether smooth extubation had been achieved or not in current patient. The endotreacheal tube was removed after the predetermined concentration had been maintained constant for ten minutes. All responses (“smooth” or “not smooth”) to tracheal extubation and respiratory complications were assessed.

Results

MAC_EX values of sevoflurane in Group D₂ (0.51 ± 0.13%) was significantly lower than in Group D₁ (0.83 ± 0.10%; P < 0.001), the latter being significantly lower than in Group D₀ (1.40 ± 0.12%; P < 0.001). EC₉₅ values of sevoflurane were 0.83%, 1.07%, and 1.73% in Group D₂, Group D₁, and Group D₀, respectively. No patient in the current study had laryngospasm.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine decreased the required MAC_EX values of sevoflurane to achieve smooth extubation in a dose-dependent manner. Intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 μg∙kg⁻¹ and 2 μg∙kg⁻¹ pre-medication decreased MAC_EX by 41% and 64%, respectively.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-IOD-17011601, date of registration: 09 Jun 2017, retrospectively registered.

Retrospective study of intranasal dexmedetomidine as a prophylactic against emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing ear tube surgery

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine on emergence delirium (ED) in pediatric patients who underwent ear tube surgeries. Due to the brief nature of the surgery and low levels of pain experienced, an IV is rarely needed, limiting the medications available to anesthesiologists to manage postoperative delirium that may arise during recovery from inhalational anesthesia. Intravenous dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist anesthetic that is used in pediatric patients for the management of ED in various surgical procedures. However, intranasal medication has not been evaluated specifically in ear tube surgeries for ED prevention.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients at Nemours Children's Hospital who had undergone ear tube insertion or removal surgery between 2013 and 2015, controlling for confounding variables such as age, surgery duration, and anesthesiologist. We used the post anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) tool, an instrument created to assess ED in the clinical setting. We analyzed the data for significant differences in PAED score and time in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) between patients treated with intranasal dexmedetomidine and the control group that did not receive the medication.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference between the PAED scores of those patients treated with intranasal dexmedetomidine prior to ear tube surgeries and those who did not receive the medication, and no difference in the duration of PACU stay.

CONCLUSION

These results conflict with other research on intranasal dexmedetomidine and its potential to prevent ED in pediatric patients. This information should prompt further prospective investigation into the most efficacious use of dexmedetomidine for ED prevention, both in terms of timing and dosage required.

Effectiveness of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine, compared with oral midazolam, for the prevention of emergence delirium in the pediatric patient undergoing general anesthesia: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Emergence delirium is defined as a cognitive disturbance during emergence from general anesthesia resulting in hallucinations, delusions and confusion manifested by agitation, restlessness, involuntary physical movement and extreme flailing in bed. Postoperative emergence delirium develops in 12% to 18% of all children undergoing general anesthesia for surgery. This post-anesthetic phenomenon changes cognitive and psychomotor behavior, and puts pediatric patients and health care personnel at risk of injury. A newer drug, dexmedetomidine, is a selective alpha-2 agonist, which works in the brain and spinal cord that has sedative, analgesic and anxiolytic properties. Dexmedetomidine also has the ability to lower the overall anesthetic requirements by reducing sympathetic outflow in response to painful surgical stimulation. In current literature, there is not a systematic review that compares the effectiveness of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine administration against oral midazolam for the prevention of emergence delirium.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to identify the effectiveness of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine compared to oral midazolam for the prevention of emergence delirium in the pediatric patient undergoing general anesthesia.

INCLUSION CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

This review considered studies that included pediatric patients aged three to seven years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of I or II, and undergoing general anesthesia for elective/ambulatory surgery. This review excluded studies that included patients who had special needs including: developmental delay, chronic pain issues, and/or any preexisting mental or physical health disorders which categorized them above an ASA II.

TYPES OF INTERVENTION(S)/PHENOMENA OF INTEREST

This review considered studies that compared preoperative intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine with preoperative oral administration of midazolam for the prevention of emergence delirium.

TYPES OF STUDIES

This review considered both experimental and non-experimental study designs including randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized control trials, quasi-experimental, before and after studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case control studies, and analytical cross-sectional studies for inclusion.

OUTCOMES

This review considered studies that included the presence of postoperative emergence delirium. Only studies that used the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale to quantify the degree of emergence delirium were included in the review. Adverse events other than emergence delirium were not considered as part of the outcomes inclusion criteria but were to be included in the discussion if any articles were identified.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The search strategy aimed to discover both published as well as unpublished studies. A three-step search strategy was utilized in eight databases. Studies published in English or with an English translation after 1999 were considered for inclusion in this review.

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY

Assessment of methodological quality was not conducted as no studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction and synthesis was not performed since no studies were included in this systematic review.

RESULTS

Following the three-step search strategy as previously described, 117 articles were identified: six in Clinical Trials, one in ProQuest, 14 in Ovid MEDLINE, 10 in CINAHL, 16 in the Cochrane Library, 13 in Scopus, 36 in Embase, and 21 in Web of Science. There were 43 duplicates which were identified and removed in Refworks by the primary reviewer. The primary and secondary reviewers independently retrieved 10 potentially relevant studies (from the initial 74) through title and abstract screening as described in the inclusion criteria. All of the retrieved studies were excluded, after assessment of full text, with reasons based on the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no scientific evidence identifying the effectiveness of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine, compared with oral midazolam, for the prevention of emergence delirium in the pediatric patient population.

When to Pick the Nose: Out-of-Hospital and Emergency Department Intranasal Administration of Medications

The intranasal route for medication administration is increasingly popular in the emergency department and out-of-hospital setting because such administration is simple and fast, and can be used for patients without intravenous access and in situations in which obtaining an intravenous line is difficult or time intensive (eg, for patients who are seizing or combative). Several small studies (mostly pediatric) have shown midazolam to be effective for procedural sedation, anxiolysis, and seizures. Intranasal fentanyl demonstrates both safety and efficacy for the management of acute pain. The intranasal route appears to be an effective alternative for naloxone in opioid overdose. The literature is less clear on roles for intranasal ketamine and dexmedetomidine.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION

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

Emergence Delirium in Pediatric Anesthesia

Emergence delirium (ED) is a complex of perceptual disturbances and psychomotor agitation that occurs most commonly in preschool-aged children in the early postanesthetic period. The incidence of ED varies between 10 and 80% in children and is perceived as a troublesome clinical situation by 42% of pediatric anesthesiologists. Although these events are often short lived, they increase the risk of self-injury and delayed discharge, require additional nursing staff and can increase medical care costs, all of which are causes for concern. The prevalence of ED has increased with the introduction and growing use of sevoflurane and desflurane, two low-solubility inhalational anesthetics. These agents promote early arousal post anesthetic, which contributes to ED. Physiological factors, pharmacological factors, the type of procedure, the anesthetic agent administered, painful stimuli, and various patient factors can all contribute to ED and thus need to be considered. Recent literature debates the cause-effect relationship between ED and pain, suggesting that they often occur concurrently but are sometimes independent findings. The consistent relation between ED and sevoflurane-based anesthesia has guided many studies to investigate its incidence compared with using other anesthetic techniques or various adjuncts. The risk of ED is lowest when propofol is used as a single-agent anesthetic compared with sevoflurane-based anesthetics. Adjunctive agents can be rated in the following order of most effective to least effective interventions: dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, ketamine, clonidine, and propofol bolus at the end of sevoflurane-based anesthesia. This review summarizes the factors that may predict ED and provides an intervention algorithm to guide effective prevention and treatment.

Effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine with intravenous anesthesia on postoperative emergence agitation/delirium in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy: A CONSORT-prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Postoperative emergence agitation/delirium (POED) is a common complication in pediatric surgery patients, which increases the risk of developing postoperative airway obstruction and respiratory depression. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and its effects on POED in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.Sixty patients scheduled for tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, aged 2 to 8 years, were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n = 30). Pediatric patients in the group DEX received intravenous (IV) DEX 1 μg/kg over 10 minutes, followed by 0.5 μg/kg/h continuous infusion, and the same volume of 0.9% saline was administrated in the group control. Anesthesia was maintained with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and remifentanyl. Intraoperative heart rate (HR), noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), blood oxygen saturation (SPO2), recovery time, and extubation time were recorded. Pain level was evaluated using the objective pain score (OPS), pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale and Cole 5-point scale (CPS) was used to evaluate POED when patients at 0, 5, 15 minutes, and then at intervals of 15 minutes for 60 minutes after parents arrival at postanesthesia care unit (PACU).The results showed that intraoperative HR was significantly lower in group DEX (P <0.05), mean diastolic and systolic NIBP was not statistically different between groups. Time to wake and time to extubation were lengthened in group DEX as compared with group control (P <0.05). OPS and CPS were lower in group DEX at 15, 30, and 45 minutes time points (P <0.05); however, there were no significantly differences in the PAED score at different time points in the PACU.The present data suggested that intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine combined with intravenous anesthetics can provide satisfactory intraoperative conditions for pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, without adverse hemodynamic effects, though the lower incidence of POED was not observed.

High initial concentration versus low initial concentration sevoflurane for inhalational induction of anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Sevoflurane induction for general anaesthesia has been reported to be safe, reliable and well accepted by patients. Sevoflurane induction uses either low or high initial concentrations. The low initial concentration technique involves initially administering a low concentration of sevoflurane and gradually increasing the concentration of the dose until the patient is anaesthetized. The high initial concentration technique involves administering high concentrations from the beginning, then continuing with those high doses until the patient is anaesthetized. This review was originally published in 2013 and has been updated in 2016.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare induction times and complication rates between high and low initial concentration sevoflurane anaesthetic induction techniques in adults and children who received inhalational induction for general anaesthesia. We defined 'high' as greater than or equal to and 'low' as less than a 4% initial concentration.

SEARCH METHODS

For the updated review, we searched the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1950 to February 2016), EMBASE (1980 to February 2016), Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1982 to February 2016) and the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science (1946 to February 2016). We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings and contacted the authors of included trials. The original search was run in September 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought all published and unpublished, randomized controlled trials comparing high versus low initial sevoflurane concentration inhalational induction. Our primary outcomes included two measures of anaesthesia (time to loss of the eyelash reflex (LOER) and time until a weighted object held in the patient's hand was dropped), time to successful insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and time to endotracheal intubation. Other outcomes were complications of the technique.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standardized methods for conducting a systematic review as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two review authors independently extracted details of trial methods and outcome data from reports of all trials considered eligible for inclusion. We conducted all analyses on an intention-to-treat basis, when possible. We estimated overall treatment effects by using a fixed-effect model when we found no substantial heterogeneity, whereas we applied the random-effects model in the presence of considerable heterogeneity.

MAIN RESULTS

We reran the searches and included one new study (100 participants) in this updated review. In total, we included 11 studies with 829 participants, although most analyses were based on data from fewer participants and evidence of low quality. We noted substantial heterogeneity in the included trials. Thus, our results should be read with caution. It was not possible to combine trials for the primary outcome (LOER), but individual trials reported faster induction times (typically 24 to 82 seconds faster, 41 seconds (31.37 to 50.62)) with high initial concentration sevoflurane (six studies, 443 participants, low-quality evidence). Apnoea appeared to be more common in the high initial concentration sevoflurane group (risk ratio (RR) 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72 to 5.7, two studies, 160 participants, low-quality evidence). We found no evidence of differences between the two groups in the incidence of cough (odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.81, eight studies, 589 participants, low-quality evidence), laryngospasm (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.16 to 15.9, seven studies, 588 participants, low-quality evidence), breath holding (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.83, five studies, 389 participants, low-quality evidence), patient movement (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.89, five studies, 445 participants, low-quality evidence) or bradycardia (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.22 to 2.88, three studies, 199 participants, low-quality evidence), and the overall incidence of complications was low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

A high initial concentration sevoflurane technique probably offers more rapid induction of anaesthesia and a similar rate of complications, except for apnoea, which may be more common with a high initial concentration. However, this conclusion is not definitive because the included studies provided evidence of low quality.