Etomidate for procedural sedation in the emergency department

Comparison of the Sedation Quality of Etomidate, Propofol, and Midazolam in Combination with Fentanyl During Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

Background

According to the favorable effects of combination therapy to provide better sedation during phacoemulsification and lack of any studies investigating the sedative effect of etomidate, propofol, and midazolam in combination with fentanyl during the procedure.

Objectives

The current study aimed at comparing the sedative properties of the mentioned three combination therapies in this field.

Methods

The current double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients referred for elective phacoemulsification surgery under sedation. They were randomly allocated to the three groups to receive fentanyl plus one of the following medications: Propofol, midazolam, and etomidate. Demographic characteristics, medical condition, and hemodynamic parameters before, during, and after surgery, sedation level, anesthetic complications, sedation-related adverse events, and patients' and surgeons' satisfaction were evaluated and recorded by the anesthesiologist and compared in the three studied groups.

Results

In the current study, out of 150 enrolled patients, 98 completed the study. Frequency of different levels of Ramsay scores was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.41). Frequency of Ramsay scores 3 and 4 was 92%, 79.4%, and 88.2% in etomidate, midazolam and propofol groups, respectively (P = 0.32). The median recovery time was significantly higher in the midazolam group than the propofol group (P = 0.04); intergroup comparisons indicated that the patients' mean score of satisfaction in the propofol group was significantly higher than that of the etomidate group (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The current study findings indicated that though the quality of sedation during phacoemulsification cataract surgery was acceptable in the three agents and the results had no significantly differences among the groups, and considering other factors including recovery time, hemodynamic evaluation, sedation-related complications, and patients' satisfication scores, it is suggested that propofol was superior to the other two agents.

Incidence of Adverse Events in Adults Undergoing Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of adverse events in adults undergoing procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Eight electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and Scopus, from January 2005 through 2015. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies of adults undergoing procedural sedation in the ED that reported a priori selected outcomes and adverse events were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and reported as incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The search yielded 2,046 titles for review. Fifty-five articles were eligible, including 9,652 procedural sedations. The most common adverse event was hypoxia, with an incidence of 40.2 per 1,000 sedations (95% CI = 32.5 to 47.9), followed by vomiting with 16.4 per 1,000 sedations (95% CI = 9.7 to 23.0) and hypotension with 15.2 per 1,000 sedations (95% CI = 10.7 to 19.7). Severe adverse events requiring emergent medical intervention were rare, with one case of aspiration in 2,370 sedations (1.2 per 1,000), one case of laryngospasm in 883 sedations (4.2 per 1,000), and two intubations in 3,636 sedations (1.6 per 1,000). The incidence of agitation and vomiting were higher with ketamine (164.1 per 1,000 and 170.0 per 1,000, respectively). Apnea was more frequent with midazolam (51.4 per 1,000), and hypoxia was less frequent in patients who received ketamine/propofol compared to other combinations. The case of laryngospasm was in a patient who received ketamine, and the aspiration and intubations were in patients who received propofol. When propofol and ketamine are combined, the incidences of agitation, apnea, hypoxia, bradycardia, hypotension, and vomiting were lower compared to each medication separately.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious adverse events during procedural sedation like laryngospasm, aspiration, and intubation are exceedingly rare. Quantitative risk estimates are provided to facilitate shared decision-making, risk communication, and informed consent.

Effects of continuous infusion of etomidate at various dose rates on adrenal function in dogs

BACKGROUND

Etomidate is a commonly used sedative in intravenous anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of various etomidate doses administered by continuous infusion on adrenal function in dogs under general anesthesia.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy adult male dogs were randomly divided into six groups. Sodium pentobarbital alone was administered to the control group (group C); five experimental groups (E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5) were also given etomidate at doses of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 μg · kg(-1) · min(-1), respectively, to maintain anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and bispectral index (BIS) were monitored. Serum cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels were measured, and HR, MAP, and BIS values recorded, before intubation (T0), and at 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h after intubation (T1-3).

RESULTS

Cortisol and aldosterone levels in groups E1-5 decreased as the doses and times of continuous infusion of etomidate increased. The cortisol level was significantly decreased compared with baseline at T3 in group E1 and at T1-3 in groups E2-5 (P < 0.05). Compared with the corresponding levels in group C, cortisol levels were significantly lower than T0 values at T3 in group E1 and at T1-3 in groups E2-5 (P < 0.05). The aldosterone level was significantly lower at T3 in group E2 and at T1-3 in groups E3-5 (P < 0.05). Significant reductions in cortisol levels at T2-3 in group E2 and at T1-3 in groups E3-5 compared with group C were also observed (P < 0.05). The plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, HR, MAP, and BIS in groups E1-5 were within the normal range at the different times and with the different doses (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cortisol and aldosterone levels decreased with time and continuous infusion of etomidate; there were no significant changes in adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, HR, MAP, and BIS in any group.

Etomidate in pediatric anesthesiology: Where are we now?

Etomidate is an intravenous anesthetic agent released for clinical use in the United States in 1972. Its popularity in clinical practice is the result of its beneficial effects on intracerebral dynamics with limited effects on hemodynamic function. These properties have made it a safe and effective anesthetic induction agent in both adult and pediatric patients with altered myocardial performance, congenial heart disease, or hypovolemia. However, recent concern has been expressed regarding its effects on the endogenous production of corticosteroids and the impact of that effect on patient outcomes. The following manuscript reviews clinical reports regarding etomidate use in the pediatric population and discusses recent concerns regarding its effects on corticosteroid metabolism and the implications of such effects for clinical use.

Procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department

Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is a core part of modern emergency department (ED) care allowing the rapid provision of important procedures. The safe delivery of a PSA service requires an appropriately staffed and equipped environment backed up by an ongoing system of training, audit and review. Topics covered in this review include: the evidence relating to the agents used; patient care before, during and after the procedure; the outcomes of ED PSA; and, the special considerations relating to PSA in children.

A descriptive study of myoclonus associated with etomidate procedural sedation in the ED

BACKGROUND

Myoclonus is a well-recognized side effect of etomidate when given in induction doses for rapid sequence intubation. Most of the data reported on myoclonus with emergency department (ED) sedation doses are reported as a secondary finding.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to prospectively quantify the incidence and duration of myoclonus associated with the administration of etomidate in the lower doses given for procedural sedation in the ED.

METHODS

This was a prospective descriptive study performed between September 2008 and September 2010 at an urban teaching hospital ED with approximately 50000 patient visits per year. Procedural sedation was performed at the discretion of the treating emergency physician, and adult patients receiving etomidate were eligible for enrollment. The occurrence and duration of myoclonus were observed and recorded. Any interference of myoclonus with the ability to complete the procedure was recorded, and adverse effects were identified.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eligible subjects were enrolled, and 36 separate sedation procedures were performed. The mean initial etomidate dose was 0.13 mg/kg (range, 0.077-0.20), and the mean total etomidate dose was 0.15 mg/kg (range, 0.077-0.29). Myoclonus was noted in 26 (72%) of 36 sedations. Mean time to onset of myoclonus was 50 seconds (range, 15-146), and the mean duration was 93 seconds (range, 03-557). Myoclonus interfered with the procedure in only 1 (3%) of 36 attempted procedures, and no procedure was unsuccessful because of myoclonus.

CONCLUSION

Myoclonus associated with sedation doses of etomidate was common but rarely interfered with the completion of a procedure.

Sedation/anaesthesia in paediatric radiology

OBJECTIVES

In this article we will give a comprehensive literature review on sedation/general anaesthesia (S/GA) and discuss the international variations in practice and options available for S/GA for imaging children.

METHODS

The key articles were obtained primarily from PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, NHS Evidence and The Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Recently, paediatric radiology has seen a surge of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, some of which require children to be still and compliant for up to 1 h. It is difficult and sometimes even impossible to obtain quick and high-quality images without employing sedating techniques in certain children. As with any medical procedure, S/GA in radiological practice is not without risks and can have potentially disastrous consequences if mismanaged. In order to reduce any complications and practice safety in radiological units, it is imperative to carry out pre-sedation assessments of children, obtain parental/guardian consent, monitor them closely before, during and after the procedure and have adequate equipment, a safe environment and a well-trained personnel.

CONCLUSION

Although the S/GA techniques, sedative drugs and personnel involved vary from country to country, the ultimate goal of S/GA in radiology remains the same; namely, to provide safety and comfort for the patients. Advances in knowledge Imaging children under general anaesthesia is becoming routine and preferred by operators because it ensures patient conformity and provides a more controlled environment.

Propofol and Etomidate are Safe for Deep Sedation in the Emergency Department

This study describes deep sedations performed for painful procedures completed in the emergency department at an academic tertiary care hospital during an 18-month period. One hundred consecutive cases were retrospectively reviewed to describe indications, complications, procedural lengths, medication dosing, and safety of these sedations. Propofol and etomidate were the preferred agents. We found that there were relatively few complications (10%), with only 2 of these (2%) being major complications. All complications were brief and did not adversely affect patient outcomes. This data further demonstrate the safety profile of deep sedation medications in the hands of emergency physicians trained in sedation and advanced airway techniques.

Sedation considerations for the nonintubated obese patient in critical care

Sedation of the obese critical care patient presents unique challenges that include altered respiratory function and a predisposition to respiratory suppression and airway obstruction. Sedative drugs have pronounced effects on obese patients. Knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic changes associated with obesity, airway management, and sedation agents better prepares one to care for these patients safely and effectively.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Etomidate Versus Propofol for Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We compare the efficacy, adverse events, and recovery duration of etomidate and propofol for use in procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

This was a randomized nonblinded prospective trial of adult patients undergoing procedural sedation for painful procedures in the ED. Patients received either propofol or etomidate. Doses, vital signs, nasal end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), pulse oximetry, and bispectral electroencephalogram analysis scores were recorded. Subclinical respiratory depression was defined as a change in ETCO2 greater than 10 mm Hg, an oxygen saturation of less than 92% at any time, or an absent ETCO2 waveform at any time. Clinical events related to respiratory depression, including an increase in supplemental oxygen, the use of a bag-valve-mask apparatus, airway repositioning, or stimulation to induce breathing, were noted during the procedure. After the procedure, patients completed visual analog scales about perceived pain during the procedure and recall of the procedure.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty patients were enrolled; 214 underwent sedation and were analyzed. One hundred five patients received etomidate and 109 received propofol. No clinically significant complications were noted. Subclinical respiratory depression was observed in 36 of 105 (34.3%) patients in the etomidate group and 46 of 109 (42.2%) in the propofol group (difference -7.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -20.9% to 5.1%). Myoclonus was noted in 21 of 105 (20.0%) patients in the etomidate group and 2 of 109 (1.8%) in the propofol group (difference 18.2%; 95% CI 10.1% to 26.2%). The mean difference between baseline systolic blood pressure and the nadir was 3.8% (95% CI 2.3% to 5.3%) for etomidate and 7.9% (95% CI 6.1% to 9.7%) for propofol. Clinical events related to respiratory depression included an increase in supplemental oxygen in 6.7% of etomidate patients and 5.5% of propofol patients (difference 1.2%; 95% CI -5.2% to 7.6%), the use of bag-valve-mask apparatus in 3.8% of patients in the etomidate groups and 4.6% in the propofol group (difference -0.8%; 95% CI -6.1% to 4.6%), airway repositioning in 13.3% of etomidate patients and 11.0% of propofol patients (effect size 2.3%; 95% CI -6.4% to 11.1%), and stimulation to induce breathing in 11.4% of etomidate patients and 11.9% of propofol patients (difference -0.5%; 95% CI -9.1% to 8.1%). The procedures were successful in 93 of 105 (88.6%) for etomidate and 106 of 109 (97.2%) for propofol (difference -7.4%; 95% CI -14.3% to -1.1%).

CONCLUSION

Etomidate and propofol appear equally safe for ED procedural sedation; however, etomidate had a lower rate of procedural success and induced myoclonus in 20% of patients.

Procedural Sedation and Analgesia: A Review and New Concepts

Procedural sedation and analgesia has become a commonplace procedure in the ED, certainly falling under the domain of the EP. Every EP should approach PSA as a complex procedure requiring high-level skills and knowledge. Initially, understand that PSA represents a spectrum of goals, from anxiolysis and pain relief to deep sedation. Assess the needs of the patient and the concomitant procedure and set goals accordingly. There is a pharmacopia of drugs that provide sedation and analgesia. Become familiar with their pharmacology, advantages and disadvantages, and indications. This will allow for appropriate usage and achievement of sedation goals. Several drugs that are commonly used for general anesthesia are proving themselves to be safe and efficacious for PSA. Both etomidate and propofol have emerged as useful drugs for PSA. Continued research and practice with these agents will add to our understanding and help define their use for PSA. Performing PSA as a procedure itself requires preparedness, diligent monitoring, and risk awareness. Knowing the patient's comorbid state and choosing agents that will not exacerbate their baseline status minimize risk. Following fasting guidelines is appropriate in certain clinical situations, and is prudent when time permits. However, these guidelines are a benchmark for minimizing risk and are not supported by evidence-based medicine. It is important to be cognizant of the guidelines but also to identify the emergency scenario where action must be taken despite the fasting guidelines. Controlling sedation depth also minimizes the risk of aspiration and other complications. The ETCO2 monitor and Bispectral Index may prove to be useful adjuncts for monitoring sedation depth. However, there is nothing yet that measures sedation depth quantitatively that can replace the qualitative assessment of the EP. More and more PSA is falling under the domain of the EP. It is important for the EP to be involved in hospital policy and guidelines associated with this procedure, and to remain aware of new research in this field. EPs can thereby contribute to quality assurance throughout the medical community by setting a standard in the practice of PSA, as they are not the only practitioners using this procedure. With continued practice and research, expertise in this field will grow measurably.

Review of pediatric sedation

Sedating children for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures remains an area of rapid change and considerable controversy. Exploration of this topic is made difficult by the fact that the reports of techniques and outcomes for pediatric sedation appear in a wide range of subspecialty publications and rarely undergo comprehensive examination. In this review article, we will touch on many aspects of the topic of pediatric sedation from the perspective of the anesthesiologist. We begin with a review of the historical role of anesthesiologists in the development of the current standards for pediatric sedation. We also examine the current status of pediatric sedation as reflected in published studies and reports. A specific review of the issues surrounding safety of sedation services is included. Current trends in sedation practice, including the expanding role of potent sedative hypnotic drugs outside the field of anesthesiology, are noted. Finally, we suggest future areas for research and clinical improvement for sedation providers.

Etomidate for procedural sedation in the emergency department

OBJECTIVE

To review the current efficacy and safety evidence for the use of etomidate for procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1966-December 2003), EMBASE (1980-December 2003), PubMED (1966-December 2003), and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (up to December 2003) were searched for full-text reports published in English on the use of etomidate in humans. Search terms included etomidate, procedural sedation, conscious sedation, relocation, dislocation, abscess incision, abscess drainage, and cardioversion.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating efficacy or safety endpoints using etomidate for procedural sedation in the ED were included. All studies were evaluated independently by both authors. For clinical outcomes (efficacy, safety), the definitions specified by each study were used.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Three observational studies and 5 prospective, randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Onset of action and time to recovery following etomidate were rapid and found to be comparable to that of propofol and thiopental but significantly faster than that of midazolam. The dose of etomidate for procedural sedation ranged from 0.15 to 0.22 mg/kg. No significant hemodynamic effects were observed; however, respiratory depression resulting in oxygen desaturation to <90% or apnea appears to occur in approximately 10% of patients undergoing procedural sedation with etomidate with or without analgesia. The most prominent adverse effect reported with etomidate was myoclonus, occurring in 20-45% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Etomidate is an appropriate and valuable agent for performing procedural sedation in the ED. The rapid onset and recovery time and relative lack of significant hemodynamic and respiratory effects may facilitate optimal and safe conditions for procedural sedation in the ED.

Challenges facing the anesthesiologist in the emergency department

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on developments in airway management and concious sedation/analgesic techniques employed by anesthesiologists in the emergency department.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emergency medicine physicians routinely employ airway devices and techniques that were previously reserved for anesthesiologists. An understanding of the uses and limitations of these devices are essential for successful outcomes. Anesthesiologists responding to the emergency department may be faced with soiled or traumatized airways. The use of newer devices in cervical trauma and the difficult airway is reviewed. Consious sedation in the emergency department is also reviewed. There are no published recommendations demonstrating the advantage of specific agents for sedation in the emergency department. A wide variety of medications and techniques are currently being employed. Studies indicate that the incidence of adverse effects from these agents range from less than 1% to almost 30%. Various organizations have published guidelines detailing the appropriate protocols and equipment that must be present in the emergency department to monitor patients undergoing conscious sedation. These recommendations have not been universally implemented, and several recent studies suggest that a substantial number of emergency departments may have major deficiencies.

SUMMARY

The consultant anesthesiologist responding to a critical airway may face a variety of challenges, including traumatized or soiled airways, patients with cervical spine fractures, and patients who have undergone sedation techniques that may have progressed to deep and general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists may also face the challenge of responding to these emergent situations without all the equipment or adequately trained support staff necessary to handle those emergencies safely.