Practice Guidelines for Intravenous Conscious Sedation in Dentistry (Second Edition, 2017)

A retrospective study of the safety and efficacy of peritoneal dialysis catheter placement under combined local infiltration anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care

OBJECTIVE

Given the lack of global consensus on anesthesia selection for peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) placement via open surgery, this study investigates the safety and efficacy of combining local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of ESRD patients who underwent open surgical placement of PDC in the Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University from 1 August 2020 to 31 May 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on anesthesia method: LIA group and LIA + MA group. MA was defined as preoperative sedation (0.2-0.7 µg/kg/h) with dexmedetomidine injection (Huidrican trade name, DEX), and intraoperative analgesia with dexrazoxane injection (Garonin trade name, DEZ) as appropriate according to the patients' pain scores. We compared the general clinical data of the two groups of patients, the changes in blood pressure and heart rate during the whole operation, the intraoperative and postoperative pain, the total duration of the operation and the immediate postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The study included 123 patients (59 in the LIA + MAC group and 64 in the LIA group). The LIA + MA group exhibited lower pain scores measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) during surgery (skin incision, subcutaneous adipose tissue dissection, anterior fascia, muscle traction, posterior fascia, peritoneum, and catheterization) compared to the LIA group(p<0.05). In terms of surgical incisions, to intraoperative pain scores (VRS), the LIA + MA group showed higher score level I and lower score level II compared to the LIA group (p = 0.002, 0.004, respectively). The LIA + MA group experienced lower postoperative resting pain (NRS) and VAS than the LIA group (p = 0.001,0.003, respectively). The surgical duration for the LIA + MA group was shorter than that of the LIA group (p<0.001). Preoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were higher in the LIA + MA group compared to the LIA group (p<0.001,<0.001, respectively). Postoperative heart rate and DBP were lower in the LIA + MA group (p<0.001, 0.004, respectively). The LIA + MA group exhibited greater changes in heart rate, SBP, and DBP during and after surgery compared to the LIA group (p = 0.009, <0.001,<0.001, respectively). In terms of immediate postoperative complications, the proportion of patients requiring analgesics within 24 h post-surgery was significantly lower in the LIA + MA group (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Open surgery for PDC placement under LIA + MAC is both safe and effective.

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor β1 subunit gene polymorphisms are associated with the sedative and amnesic effects of midazolam

Midazolam is widely used for intravenous sedation. However, wide interindividual variability is seen in the sensitivity to midazolam. The association between genetic factors and interindividual differences in midazolam sensitivity remains unclear. The present study explored the association between common genetic variants and sedative and amnesic effects of midazolam. This prospective study included patients who were scheduled to undergo dental procedures under intravenous sedation. The sedative effect was evaluated using the Ramsay sedation scale 5 min after midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) administration. We employed two parallel approaches in this study: genome-wide approach and candidate gene approach. The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit genes were selected as candidate genes. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the Ramsay sedation scale and genetic variants. We also analyzed the association between the presence of anterograde amnesia and genetic variants using multivariate binominal logistic regression analyses. The analyses were adjusted for potential confounding factors. A total of 191 patients were included in the analyses. In the genome-wide association analyses, no significant association was found between the genetic variants and Ramsay scores. In the candidate gene analyses, the rs73247636 (dominant model: β = 0.72 [95% confidence interval, 0.34 to 1.10], P < 0.001) and rs56278524 (dominant model: β = 0.73 [0.37 to 1.10], P < 0.001) polymorphisms of the GABRB1 gene were significantly associated with Ramsay scores. Additionally, the rs73247636 (dominant model: odds ratio [OR] = 8.39 [2.36 to 29.85], P = 0.001) and rs56278524 (dominant model: OR = 15.26 [3.42 to 68.07], P < 0.001) polymorphisms were also significantly associated with the presence of anterograde amnesia. The rs73247636 and rs56278524 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of GABRB1 were associated with the sedative and amnesic effects of midazolam.

Optimising the oral midazolam dose for premedication in people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

In people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder, oral midazolam (OM) is very effective as premedication for facilitating medical treatment. In this retrospective study, we investigated the optimal dosage of OM for premedication.

METHODS

Patients with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder who were given OM as a premedication were selected from anaesthesia records. The primary outcome variable was the dose of OM (mg/kg) required to produce an adequate sedation.

RESULTS

The mean OM dose required was 0.32 ± 0.10 mg/kg. The required OM dose decreased significantly as age and weight increased, and age and weight were also shown to be significantly associated with the dose of OM in the multivariate linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The dosage of OM to achieve adequate sedation should decrease as the patient ages. Furthermore, adequate sedation can be achieved with even lower doses of OM in obese people.

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

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

Ventricular Tachycardia Following Ephedrine During Dexmedetomidine Dental Procedural Sedation

We present the case of a 46-year-old man who received ephedrine for hypotension after surgery for a mandibular lesion under intravenous (IV) moderate sedation with dexmedetomidine (DEX) and experienced transient ventricular tachycardia (VT). The patient was scheduled to have cystectomy and multiple apicoectomies for the mandibular periapical infection and the simple bone cyst. Other than obesity, snoring, and a nonalcoholic fatty liver, he denied any other significant medical history, medications, or allergies. The surgery was successful; however, his blood pressure dropped after stopping the DEX infusion. Ephedrine was administered IV several times, which resulted in the onset of VT on the electrocardiogram (ECG). His blood pressure could not be measured at the time, but he was able to respond and breathe independently. A defibrillator was immediately made available. The ECG revealed a spontaneous transition from VT to atrial fibrillation with ST depression. Because he was unable to revert to a normal sinus rhythm, the patient was transferred to a general hospital, where he underwent additional testing. No abnormalities were observed in his heart or brain. After DEX administration, its long-lasting alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist effects can cause vasodilation and inhibition of sympathetic activity, leading to hypotension in some patients. Should that occur, ephedrine can be used to increase blood pressure, but it may also provoke transient coronary artery spasms and lead to VT. Consequently, extreme caution should be exercised in patients who develop hypotension following DEX administration. We also recognize the significance of regular training sessions, such as advanced cardiac life support programs.

General Anesthesia Versus Local Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

For patients with aortic stenosis, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers a less invasive treatment modality than conventional surgical valve replacement. Although the surgery is performed traditionally under general anesthesia (GA), recent studies have described success with TAVR using local anesthesia (LA) and/or conscious sedation. The study authors performed a pairwise meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of TAVR based on operative anesthesia management.

DESIGN

A random effects pairwise meta-analysis via the Mantel-Haenszel method.

SETTING

Not applicable, as this is a meta-analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

No individual patient data were used.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable, as this is a meta-analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The authors comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify studies comparing TAVR performed using LA or GA. Outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) or standard mean differences (SMD) and their 95% CIs. The authors' pooled analysis included 14,388 patients from 40 studies (7,754 LA; 6,634 GA). Compared to GA TAVR, LA TAVR was associated with significantly lower rates of 30-day mortality (RR 0.69; p < 0.01) and stroke (RR 0.78; p = 0.02). Additionally, LA TAVR patients had lower rates of 30-day major and/or life-threatening bleeding (RR 0.64; p = 0.01), 30-day major vascular complications (RR 0.76; p = 0.02), and long-term mortality (RR 0.75; p = 0.009). No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups for a 30-day paravalvular leak (RR 0.88, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed using LA is associated with lower rates of adverse clinical outcomes, including 30-day mortality and stroke. No difference was seen between the 2 groups for a 30-day paravalvular leak. These results support the use of minimally invasive forms of TAVR without GA.

Colon Cancer Screening Methods: 2023 Update

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. National screening guidelines have been implemented to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Routine CRC screening is advised for people with average risk starting at age 45 because it is a common and preventable malignancy. Various screening modalities are currently in use, ranging from stool-based tests (fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and FIT-DNA test), radiologic tests (computed tomographic colonography (CTC), double contrast barium enema), and visual endoscopic examinations (flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), colonoscopy, and colon capsule endoscopy (CCE)) with their varying sensitivity and specificity. Biomarkers also play a vital role in assessing the recurrence of CRC. This review offers a summary of the current screening options, including biomarkers available to detect CRC, highlighting the benefits and challenges encompassing each screening modality.

Comparison of intravenous sedation using midazolam versus dexmedetomidine in elderly patients with dementia: a randomized cross-over trial

Differences between the effects of intravenous sedation with midazolam (MID) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the cerebral function of elderly patients with severe dementia are unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous sedation with MID or DEX on parameters such as brain waves and cerebral blood flow (CBF). This cross-over study analyzed 12 patients with severe dementia, with each patient receiving both drug treatments. Each drug was administered until a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) score of 2 was reached. Bispectral index (BIS) and normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI), which reflects CBF using near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests, and multiple regression analysis were performed. While a similar decline in BIS values was observed in both groups (P < 0.030), there was a significant decrease in nTHI up to 11% in the MID group (P = 0.005). In the DEX group, nTHI values did not differ from baseline. When an OAA/S score of 2 was just achieved, CBF in the MID group (− 5%) was significantly lower than in the DEX group (± 0%). In dementia patients, sedation with MID resulted in a decrease in CBF, while the CBF value was maintained during sedation with DEX.

Factors associated with a reduced food intake after third molar extraction among adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

Functional impairment after third molar extraction may decrease the food intake. Elucidation of associated factors will contribute to a more appropriate postoperative nutritional management, and was the aim of the present study.

Methods

Adults aged < 60 years who were admitted for an extraction of one or more mandibular third molars were included. Those with diabetes mellitus, anemia, metabolic diseases, mental retardation, altered dietary intake, and postoperative paralysis of the lower lip and tongue were excluded. Patient-specific risk factors were compared in relation to a decrease in the food intake on postoperative day 1. Multivariate analysis took into account the patients’ background factors.

Results

A total of 254 patients were included (median age: 26.8 ± 9.3 years, 142 women); 508 third molars were extracted. Postoperative dietary intake reduction was more common (p < 0.05) after an exclusively mandibular extraction (16.0%) than after an extraction including the maxilla (29.4%). The reduction was also more common (p < 0.05) for an extraction difficulty of Pell–Gregory class III (39.5%) than for extraction difficulties of Pell–Gregory classes I (22.6%) and II (21.3%). The reduction was also more common (p < 0.05) in patients who experienced postoperative pain (66.7%) than in those who did not (23.3%). Significant differences were observed in sex (women: 34.5%, men: 11.6%) and age (young patients [< 26 years]: 31.1%, adult patients [≥ 26 years]: 17.2%); however, no significant difference was found in terms of experiencing trismus (p < 0.11). Simple regression analysis showed significant differences between patients who did and did not have a reduced postoperative food intake depending on the sex, age, extraction site, degree of extraction difficulty, trismus, and postoperative pain. Reduced dietary intake was significantly associated with sex (odds ratio [OR]: 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.38), age (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0–2.5), extraction site (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31–0.83), difficulty of extraction (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.50–0.88), and postoperative pain (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04–0.37).

Conclusions

A younger age, female sex, extraction including the maxilla with deep implantation, and complaints of pain on postoperative day 1 were factors associated with a decreased food intake after third molar extraction.

Safety of peritoneal dialysis catheter surgery under dexmedetomidine and local anesthesia for elderly patients in Japan: a single-center prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The number of patients aged ≥ 75 years and who need renal replacement therapy is steadily increasing. The study aimed to determine the safety of open surgery for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement in such patients.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent PD catheter placement by open surgery under dexmedetomidine (DEX) and local anesthesia at our institution from January 2015 to February 2021. Patients were divided into the following two groups according to age at the time of surgery: ≥ 75 years (group A) and < 75 years (group B). We compared the perioperative and postoperative complications (i.e., time to the first PD-related peritonitis and catheter obstruction requiring surgical intervention within 1 year) between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were categorized into groups A (n = 65) and B (n = 53). No significant intergroup differences were observed in the postoperative fever, total duration of surgery, perioperative hemoglobin decrease, changes in the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, postoperative catheter leakage, postoperative hospital stay, time to the first PD-related peritonitis, and catheter obstruction requiring surgical intervention within 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgery for PD catheter placement by open surgery under DEX and local anesthesia in elderly patients is safe and effective.

Comparison of intravenous sedation using midazolam during dental treatment in elderly patients with/without dementia: a prospective, controlled clinical trial

The effects of intravenous sedation with midazolam on the cerebral function of elderly patients with severe dementia are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate its effects on parameters such as brainwaves and cerebral blood flow (CBF) and compare them between elderly individuals with dementia and without cognitive impairment. Ten patients with severe dementia and 10 without cognitive impairment were registered. The bispectral index (BIS) and normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI), which reflects CBF using near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Midazolam was administered until a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score of 2 was reached. The chi-squared, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests and multiple regression analysis were used for comparisons. Whereas a similar decline in BIS values was observed in both groups after midazolam administration (P < 0.018), there was a significant decrease by 9% in the nTHI of the dementia-positive group (P < 0.013). However, there was no significant difference in the nTHI between the dementia-positive and dementia-negative group according to the multiple regression analysis (P = 0.058). In the dementia-negative group, none of the measured values differed from the baseline values. In the dementia-positive group, sedation with midazolam resulted in a 9% decrease in the CBF.

Pulmonary Aspiration During Induction of General Anesthesia

Perioperative pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents can induce complications of varying severity, including aspiration pneumonitis or pneumonia, which may be lethal. A 34-year-old man with no significant medical history presented to Okayama University Hospital for extraction of the third molars and incisive canal cystectomy under general anesthesia. He experienced pulmonary aspiration of clear stomach fluid during mask ventilation after induction. After aspiration occurred, the patient was immediately intubated, and suctioning was performed through the endotracheal tube (ETT). An anteroposterior (AP) chest radiograph was obtained that demonstrated atelectasis in the left lower lobe, in addition to increased peak airway pressures being noted, although SpO2 remained at 96% to 99% at an FiO2 of 1.0. The decision was made to proceed, and the scheduled procedures were completed in approximately 2 hours. A repeat AP chest radiograph obtained at the end of the operation revealed improvement of the atelectasis, and no residual atelectasis was observed on the next day. Although the patient reported following standard preoperative fasting instructions (no fluids for 2 hours preoperatively), more than 50 mL of clear fluid remained in his stomach. Because vomiting can occur despite following NPO guidelines, the need for continued vigilance by anesthesia providers and proper timely management is reinforced.

Analysis of intravenous sedation for dental treatment in elderly patients with severe dementia-a retrospective cohort study of a Japanese population

Background/purpose

Patients with severe dementia require intravenous sedation during dental treatment. However, few reports have compared the outcomes of intravenous sedation management among sedatives. Intravenous sedation in the elderly with severe dementia undergoing dental treatment was evaluated retrospectively.

Materials and methods

Patients’ characteristics and type of dementia were obtained from medical records. Midazolam (MID), dexmedetomidine (DEX), and propofol (PRO) were administered as sedatives. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), SpO₂, bispectral index (BIS) values and complications were evaluated.

Results

Nineteen patients with severe dementia who underwent 62 instances of sedation were included. There was no difference in patient background between sedatives. The sedation time and permission time to return home were significantly longer in DEX than in MID or PRO group. Half the usual dose in MID and lower limits of the routine dose was effective in DEX and PRO. HR was significantly lower in DEX group. There were 3 cases with airway obstruction requiring nasopharyngeal airway and 4 cases of apnea when MID was administered. Two cases of Cheyne-Stokes-like respiration when MID or DEX was administered. SpO₂ <94% was found in 22 cases (35%) irrespective of the sedative. A patient with dementia with Lewy bodies had experienced hallucinations during the recovery period after sedation when MID or DEX was administered. The BIS value of ≤80 was noted during complications.

Conclusion

Intravenous sedation for dental treatment in the elderly with severe dementia, needs a dose titration. All sedatives had respiratory-related complications which mandate close monitoring.