Tramadol combined with fentanyl in awake endotracheal intubation

Tramadol in seized drugs containing non-pharmaceutical fentanyl: Crime lab data from Ohio, USA

Introduction

Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl and related drugs (NPF) have contributed to increases in drug-related overdose mortality in the U.S. More data are needed to track the shifting composition of fentanyl-containing drug mixtures. The key aims of the study are to characterize the crime lab data from Montgomery County, Ohio on the increased cases of seized drugs containing mixtures of NPF and tramadol.

Methods

Crime lab data on seized drugs in Montgomery County, Ohio (2015 - 2020) were analyzed to extract information on cases that tested positive for NPF and tramadol. Descriptive statistics are provided to characterize NPF/tramadol mixtures in terms of the quantity, weight, form of the drug seized (powder, tablet, capsule, residue), and the types of fentanyl analogs and other drugs identified.

Results

In December 2017, the first case of NPF/tramadol mixture was identified in the amount of 0.2 g. Sub-sequently, cases containing NPF/tramadol increased significantly to 149 cases in 2018, 102 in 2019, and 134 in 2020. The total yearly amounts of seized NPF/tramadol mixtures increased to 373.27 g in 2018, 2,601.82 g in 2019, and 13,487.62 g in 2020. The majority (72.6%) of the cases were in powder form. There were 15 other drugs identified along with fentanyl with tramadol mixtures, including heroin (38.8%), 5.7% cocaine (5.7%), and methamphetamine (4.9%).

Conclusions

The addition of tramadol to NPF may be viewed as a harm mitigation strategy but contributes to the overall unpredictability of the illicit drug supply. According to Ohio legal statutes, identification of schedule IV drugs such as tramadol with fentanyl (schedule II) may provide a reduction in drug-related charges from a felony to a misdemeanor. More research is needed to characterize potential sources of tramadol in NPF-containing drugs.

Awake tracheal intubation using combination of an Airtraq® optical laryngoscope with smartphone and video flexible endoscope: a case report

A patient with obvious difficult airway who was received awake tracheal intubation using combination of an Airtraq^® optical laryngoscope with smartphone and video flexible endoscope posted for elective surgery of tonsillectomy for OSAHS was reported. Our experiences strongly indicate that fully communication with patients, detailed preoperative assessment of airways and perfect plan, appropriate endotracheal intubation approach and devices play important roles in awake tracheal intubation in difficult airway.

Hemodynamic Responses and Safety of Sedation Following Premedication with Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl during Fiberoptic-assisted Intubation in Patients with Predicted Difficult Airway

Background:

Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is the gold standard for the management of predicted difficult airway, and inappropriate sedation is a major cause leading to its failure.

Aims:

The primary objective was to compare the heart rate (HR) changes that accompany AFOI following sedation with dexmedetomidine and fentanyl. Secondary objectives included comparison of changes in blood pressure, patient comfort, ease of intubation, and degree of sedation.

Settings and Designs:

This prospective double-blinded randomized study was conducted in a tertiary care institution.

Subjects and Methods:

Forty patients with anticipated difficult airway requiring AFOI were included in the study. Group A received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg whereas Group B received fentanyl 2 μg/kg. After topical anesthesia of the airway, AFOI was performed.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Fisher's exact test, independent two-sample t-test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used as applicable.

Results:

The hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups except at 1 min postintubation when fentanyl group had significantly higher HR. There were lower alertness and muscle tone scores in dexmedetomidine group. Total comfort score was significantly higher in fentanyl group. Though more patients in dexmedetomidine group showed that no reaction to intubation and more patients in fentanyl had slight grimacing, the difference was insignificant. The ease of intubation was similar in both the groups.

Conclusion:

Though dexmedetomidine1 μg/kg and fentanyl 2 μg/kg premedication results in comparable hemodynamics and ease of intubation, in view of enhanced patient comfort, dexmedetomidine premedication is advantageous in patients with anticipated difficult airway undergoing AFOI.

Comparison between dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on intubation conditions during awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy: A randomized double-blind prospective study

Background and Aims:

Various drugs are used for providing favorable intubation conditions during awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI). However, most of them cause respiratory depression and airway obstruction leading to hypoxemia. The aim of this study was to compare intubation conditions, and incidence of desaturation between dexmedetomidine and fentanyl group during AFOI.

Material and Methods:

This randomized double-blind prospective study was conducted on a total of 60 patients scheduled for elective laparotomies who were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg and Group B received fentanyl 2 mcg/kg over 10 min. Patients in both groups received glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg intravenous, nebulization with 2% lidocaine 4 ml over 20 min and 10% lidocaine spray before undergoing AFOI. Adequacy of intubation condition was evaluated by cough score and post-intubation score. Incidence of desaturation, hemodynamic changes and sedation using Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) were noted and compared between two groups.

Results:

Cough Score (1-4), post-intubation Score (1-3) and RSS (1-6) were significantly favorable (P < 0.0001) along with minimum hemodynamic responses to intubation (P < 0.05) and less oxygen desaturation (P < 0.0001) in Group A than Group B.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine is more effective than fentanyl in producing better intubation conditions, sedation along with hemodynamic stability and less desaturation during AFOI.