Premedication effect of dexmedetomidine and alfentanil on seizure time, recovery duration, and hemodynamic responses in electroconvulsive therapy

The Effects of Remifentanil, Dexmedetomidine, and Metoral as Adjuncts to Thiopental on Hemodynamic Status After Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder affecting more than 300 million people of all ages globally. Despite being the first-line treatment for depression, antidepressant medications are only effective for 60% - 70% of patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe cases, although it can result in short-term side effects.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and metoral as premedications for ECT in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

In this prospective double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 MDD patients aged 18 - 60 were included. They were randomly assigned to receive remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, or metoral in combination with thiopental before ECT. Hemodynamic responses (mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation), seizure duration, recovery time, agitation scores, and patient satisfaction scores (reverse coded) were measured and compared.

Results

Dexmedetomidine exhibited superior hemodynamic control with lower mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001) and pulse rate (P < 0.001) than remifentanil and metoral. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine or remifentanil showed reduced agitation (P < 0.001) and better satisfaction than the metoral group (P < 0.001). Remifentanil displayed intermediate outcomes, while metoral exhibited the least favorable results. Seizure duration was not significantly different between the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil groups (P = 0.843).

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine is considered the most satisfactory group due to the better control of blood pressure, heart rate, and agitation and better patient satisfaction despite the longer recovery time.

Analgesic Effects of Ropivacaine Combined With Dexmedetomidine in Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This review aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine (DEX) combined with ropivacaine versus single ropivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The purpose was to investigate whether DEX combined with ropivacaine in TAPB for postoperative analgesia in LC is superior to single ropivacaine administration.

DESIGN

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

METHODS

Five electronic database systems were searched for RCTs on the effects of DEX combined with ropivacaine (joint group) and single ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia in LC. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of the indicators were calculated for comparison.

FINDINGS

As of December 23, 2021, 153 articles were retrieved, but only 16 articles were finally included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with single ropivacaine, DEX combined with ropivacaine in TAPB had better analgesia and lighter sedative effect in patients after LC. After LC 2h(T1), 4h(T2), 8h(T3), 12h(T4) and 24h (T5), the joint group participants have lower VAS scores (T1: SMD = -0.32, 95%CI: -0.49, -0.14; T2: SMD = -1.11, 95%CI: -1.56, -0.65; T3: SMD = -2.88, 95%CI: -3.74, -2.02; T4: SMD = -2.56, 95%CI: -3.04, -2.08; T5: SMD = -1.44, 95%CI: -1.81, -1.06). Also, the Ramsay score of the joint group is higher than the single group (T1: SMD = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.39, 1.71; T2: SMD = 1.57, 95%CI: 0.57, 2.57; T3: SMD = 1.64, 95%CI: 0.65, 2.63; T4: SMD = 1.72, 95%CI: 0.54, 2.89; T5: SMD = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review and meta-analysis suggest that DEX combined with ropivacaine has less postoperative pain, more patients got the status of sober and cooperative, and longer postoperative analgesia lasted than ropivacaine alone in TAPB, especially in the group of combined treatment with 1.0 mcg/kg DEX. Furthermore, the flow dynamics of the two groups are stable, and there is no notable difference in the incidence of adverse reactions.

Pharmacological prevention of postictal agitation after electroconvulsive therapy-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Postictal agitation (PIA) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a serious clinical problem estimated to occur in 7-36% of patients and recur in 19-54% of patients. PIA has the potential to cause dangerous situations for the patient and staff members aside from the financial impact. To date, it is unclear which pharmacological interventions should be used in the management of PIA. This study aimed to systematically review the (preventative) pharmacological treatment options for PIA after ECT.

Method

A systematic search was done in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception until 10 November 2022. We included randomized trials with any pharmacological intervention or comparison and a predefined outcome measure on PIA. Studies that solely included patients with neurodegenerative disorders or stroke were excluded. Data quality was assessed with the RoB2 and GRADE. Meta-analysis was performed if possible. This study was registered on PROSPERO under CRD42021262323.

Results

We screened 2,204 articles and included 14 studies. Dexmedetomidine was investigated in 10 studies. Alfentanil, lignocaine, esmolol, midazolam, propofol, ketamine, haloperidol, and diazepam were each studied in only one study. Meta-analysis revealed an OR of 0.45 (0.32-0.63), a moderate effect size, in favor of dexmedetomidine than placebo to prevent PIA with very low heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The certainty of the evidence was moderate. The other interventions studied were all found to have low certainty of evidence.

Conclusion

For clinical practice, we believe that our results indicate that dexmedetomidine should be considered for the prevention of PIA in patients that have previously experienced PIA.

Efficacy of ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine for anesthesia in electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the therapeutic opportunities for patients with psychological disorders when they may decline to take medication. We sought to systematically compare the anesthetic efficacy of ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine for electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients. This double-blind trial enrolled treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients (n = 85) who had been hospitalized for ECT in the Amir Kabir Hospital's psychiatric ward (Arak, Iran). The ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine groups received a dose of 0.2 μg/kg ketamine, 1.5 mg/kg propofol, and 0.8 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, respectively. In all intervention groups, 10 mL of interventional drugs was injected intravenously for 10 minutes, and in the placebo group, 10 mL of normal saline was given over the same period. The dexmedetomidine group's blood pressure was revealed comparatively lower at all times. Dexmedetomidine-treated patients showed their marked satisfaction, while those treated with propofol had shorter recovery time, shorter seizure duration, and shorter time to achieve an Aldrete score of 9-10 and increased relaxation, and next dexmedetomidine produced deeper relaxation. Propofol could shorten recovery time and seizure duration, and enhance relaxation, while dexmedetomidine was associated with higher patient satisfaction. Considering that any anesthetic which does not shorten seizure duration may serve efficiently for ECT and that ketamine-treated patients had more prolonged seizure duration, the preferred drug can hence be considered from various angles, thereby offering anesthetic agents with highly favorable efficacy in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients needing ECT. The drug choice thus depends on physical conditions, underlying diseases, and psychiatrist consultation.

THE USE OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN PUNCTURE TECHNIQUES FOR DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the results of the use of dexmedetomidine (D) in the treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine using puncture techniques. Methods The study included 77 patients who underwent surgical puncture for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine with the use of alpha-2-adrenomimetic D: percutaneous laser denervation of the facet joints (n = 46) and posterolateral transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (n = 31). We assessed: the level of sedation using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS); intraoperative dynamics of the cardiovascular and respiratory system parameters; the level of pain syndrome according to VAS. Results A high intraoperative level of sedation was determined, with RASS -2, -3 and Ramsay III, IV; when transferring a patient to a department (in 90 minutes) this parameter was RASS 0 and Ramsay II. There were no significant changes in central hemodynamics and respiratory depression. The minimum level of pain was determined immediately after surgery, at 30 and 60 minutes after surgery, and before transfer to the department (90 minutes): 6 (4;9); 10 (8;12); 12 (9;13); 16 (13;19) respectively. The absence of the need for additional analgesia on the first postoperative day was verified. Conclusion The use of D significantly reduces the level of pain, while maintaining the necessary verbal contact with the patient, and provides the necessary neurovegetative protection without respiratory depression or lowered hemodynamic parameters during the perioperative period. Level of evidence II; Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on Disease Outcome. Case series, retrospective study.

Premedication with dexmedetomidine for prevention of hyperdynamic response after electroconvulsive therapy: a cross-over, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective therapy for psychiatric disorders, but is associated with acute hyperdynamic responses including transient hypertension and tachycardia. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of premedication with dexmedetomidine for hemodynamic attenuation after ECT and to evaluate its effects on seizure duration, postictal asystole duration, post ECT agitation and recovery time.

METHODS

Twenty-four psychiatric patients who underwent a total of 72 ECT sessions (three sessions per patient) were randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg intravenous, dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg intravenous, or saline (control group) 15 min before the first ECT session. The patients subsequently received the other two premedication options for their next two ECT sessions. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at 5, 10, and 15 min after drug infusion and at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after ECT. Asystole duration, seizure duration, post ECT agitation and recovery times were also recorded.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Systolic blood pressure in both dexmedetomidine groups was significantly lower than that in the control group after ECT (p = 0.002). Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.013, respectively) compared with the control group. Asystole duration, seizure durations, post ECT agitation and recovery times were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg administered 15 min before ECT attenuated the hemodynamic response, including suppressing the systolic, diastolic and heart rate increases, during ECT without affecting recovery time. It also did not prolong the post-stimulus asystole duration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR20170715003 , registered at Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR), principal investigator: Pattika Subsoontorn, date of registration: 15/07/2017.

Dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative cognitive and behavioral dysfunction in adults submitted to general anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction and objectives

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been associated with a decrease in postoperative cognitive and behavioral dysfunction in patients submitted to general anesthesia, whether inhalation or total intravenous anesthesia. Consequently, the DEX effects on postoperative agitation and delirium in patients submitted to general anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery have been investigated.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and double-blind clinical trials (RCTs) was undertaken assessing adults submitted to elective procedures under general anesthesia receiving DEX or placebo. The search included articles published in English in the Pubmed and Web of Science databases using keywords such as dexmedetomidine, delirium, and agitation. Duplicate publications, studies involving cardiac surgery or using active control (other than saline solution) were included. A random effects model was adopted using the DerSimonian-Laird method and estimate of Odds Ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables, and weighted mean difference for continuous variables, with their respective 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI).

Results

Of the 484 articles identified, 15 were selected comprising 2,183 patients (1,079 and 1,104 patients in the DEX and control group, respectively). The administration of DEX was considered a protective factor for postoperative cognitive and behavioral dysfunction (OR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.23–0.57 and p < 0.001), regardless of the anesthesia technique used.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine administration reduced by at least 43% the likelihood of postoperative cognitive and behavioral dysfunction in adult patients submitted to general anesthesia for non-cardiac surgery.

An investigation of the effects of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as an adjuvant to ropivacaine on pain scores and hemodynamic changes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Postoperative pain control is recognized as a challenging surgical issue receiving high priority in the healthcare system, and opioids are routinely prescribed for anesthesia and pain relief. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ropivacaine administered intraperitoneally alone or combined with dexmedetomidine or fentanyl on postoperative pain control following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This randomized double-blind clinical trial recruited three equal-size block-randomized groups of patients (n = 138) scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Valiasr Hospital, Arak, Iran, in 2019–2020 who received ropivacaine (40 mL/0.5%), ropivacaine (40 mL/0.5%) + dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg), and ropivacaine (40 mL/0.5%) + fentanyl (1 μg/kg). No significant differences were observed among the three groups according to the vital signs (mean arterial pressure/heart-rate/oxygen saturation) in the study period and during surgery (P > 0.05). Lower pain was revealed in the ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001), with the lowest opioid dose in postoperative 24 hours (P = 0.001). Moreover, no clinically significant differences were observed in complications among the three groups (P = 0.483), and no patient developed ileus. Intraperitoneal ropivacaine administered with dexmedetomidine could relieve pain and reduce opioid use in postoperative 24 hours, without any complication and ileus. Therefore, intraperitoneal ropivacaine administered with dexmedetomidine is recommended for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (approval No. IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.267) on December 30, 2018 and was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No. IRCT 20141209020258N117) on July 13, 2019.

Effect of adding dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental in patients with mood disorder candidate for electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the appropriate treatments for many neuropsychiatric patients, especially those with mood disorders. Short-term complications of ECT include agitation and postictal. In this study, we compared the addition of dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental as the main anaesthetic used in ECT. In this double-blind randomised clinical trial, 90 patients with mood disorders (candidates for ECT) were divided into two groups based on their therapy: dexmedetomidine or remifentanil. In the first group (DG), patients were slowly injected intravenously with 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction of anesthesia. In the second group (GR), 100 μg of remifentanil was slowly injected intravenously.In addition, we collected demographic information such as respiratory rate, heart pulse rate, seizure time, mean of arterial blood pressure, recovery duration and the oxygen arterial saturation recorded after recovery. Data obtained were analysed by use of statistical software, SPSS-23. The mean age of both groups was approximately 37 years with the majority being men. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex, blood pressure, heart rate, duration of seizures and arterial oxygen saturation before ECT. The mean blood pressure and heart rate in the recovery group were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group and the hemodynamics in the dexmedetomidine group were more stable. The recovery time in the dexmedetomidine group was longer than that of the remifentanil group (p = 0.001). Both groups had approximately the same satisfaction and the rate of agitation after ECT was the same. Both remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants lead to a decrease in patients' post-ECT hyperdynamic responses. In our study, we demonstrated that the effect of dexmedetomidine is greater than remifentanil. On the other hand, neither dexmedetomidine nor remifentanil had a negative effect on seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged recovery time, when compared to remifentanil.

Change in saturation oxygen and hemodynamic responses by adding intrathecal dexmedetomidine vs. sufentanil to bupivacaine in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw operation: a randomized clinical trial

Sufentanil (SUF) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are used as bupivacaine in the spinal technique that providing stable hemodynamic conditions with least side effects. This study aimed to compare the change in saturation oxygen and hemodynamic responses after intrathecal DEX and SUF as adjuvants to bupivacaine in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw. This clinical trial was conducted with 80 patients referring to Valiasr Hospital, Arak, Iran, who were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 40): DEX group (8 mg bupivacaine with 5 μg DEX) and SUF group (8 mg bupivacaine with 2.5 μg SUF). The pain severity was lower in DEX group at different hours and the systolic pressure and diastolic blood pressure were lower in DEX group than in SUF group after surgery. Saturation oxygen was generally lower and more stable in DEX group but there was no significant difference between two groups. The incidence of sensory and motor block was lower in DEX group than in SUF group, but the duration of assessment of sensory block was lower in SUF group than in DEX group. DEX relieves pain up to 24 hours postoperatively. Nevertheless, Care should be taken to avoid the DEX induced shivering in patients. The study was approved by Ethical Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences by IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.32 code on April 25, 2016 and was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by code number: IRCT2017050220258N45 on August 4, 2017.

Factors Associated With Delirium Following Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Delirium following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been a clinical challenge, which, however, has not been investigated through a systematic literature review. The objective of this study was to systematically synthesize available evidence regarding factors associated with post-ECT delirium.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search for any type of original investigations that reported risk factors of post-ECT delirium, using PubMed.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 43 relevant articles. One study found an association between catatonic feature and increased risk of postictal delirium. Five studies reported that the presence of cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson disease, or dementia was related to higher incidence of post-ECT delirium. Incidence of post-ECT course delirium was increased with bitemporal stimulation (3 studies). One study showed that ultrabrief pulse ECT reduced reorientation time following seizure compared with brief pulse ECT. High stimulus intensity resulted in more prolonged reorientation time after ECT than lower stimulus intensity (2 studies). Longer seizure length was significantly associated with post-ECT delirium in 1 study. Eight studies that examined postictal delirium in association with medications used, including lithium, did not show any consistent finding in their relationships. Four studies showed decreased incidence of postictal delirium in those receiving dexmedetomidine.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence suggests that catatonic feature, cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson disease, dementia, bitemporal electrode placement, high stimulus intensity, or longer seizure length are associated with an increased risk of post-ECT delirium. Moreover, dexmedetomidine and ultrabrief pulse ECT seem to have preventive effects of post-ECT delirium.

Dexmedetomidine Efficacy in Quality of Surgical Field During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Blood loss is a common concern during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in intraoperative bleeding and surgical field in FESS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 72 patients within the age range of 16-60 years who underwent FESS. The subjects were randomly dividedinto two groups. The DEXgroup received 1 mic/kg DEX in 10 min at anesthesia induction followed by 0.4 to 0.8 mic/kg/hour during maintenance, while the control group received normal saline instead of DEX in bolus with the same volumemaintenance. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP),mean arterial pressure (MAP),and opioid requirement were evaluated in the 15^th, 30^th, 60^th, and 90^thmin of the induction. The surgeon's assessment of the field during surgery and intraoperative bleeding was also recorded in this study.

RESULTS

The DEX group had lower bleeding scores (P=0.001) than the control group.Surgeon's satisfaction based on a Likert scale (P=0.001) was lower in the control group. The mean of DBP was lower in the DEX group in the 30^th(P=0.001), 60^th(P=0.001), and 90^th(P=0.01) min of the induction. The MAP was lower in the DEX group in the 30^th(P=0.015), 60^th(P=0.052), and 90^th(P=0.046) min of the induction. There were no postoperative adverse effects in the DEX group.

CONCLUSION

It was observed that DEX improves the quality of the surgical field and hemodynamic stability. In addition, DEX might be safely and effectively used in surgeries in which deliberate hypotension is desirable.

A prospective, randomised double-blind study on the anaesthetic effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in brainstem tumour surgery

Context

Brainstem tumour surgery is difficult, and accidents can easily occur.

Objective

To explore the effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on brainstem tumour surgery.

Design, setting and participants

A total of 60 patients with brainstem tumours successfully operated on by our hospital from March 2016 to March 2018 were selected as subjects.

Interventions

These patients were randomised into two groups: the research group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Patients in the control group were given propofol together with a placebo (0.9% sodium chloride solution) to maintain anaesthesia after general anaesthesia, while patients in the research group were supplemented with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride.

Main outcome measure

Awakening time, overall stability of various indicators in the operation and adverse reactions during the awakening period were observed.

Results

The results revealed that patients in the research group had a longer awakening time, higher mean stability rate, higher effective rate and less incidence of adverse reactions during the awakening period than the control group; the differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has a good analgesic effect in intraoperative anaesthesia during brainstem tumour surgery, which significantly reduces the incidence of adverse reactions. Therefore, it can be used to assist anaesthesia during brainstem tumour operations and is worthy of clinical popularisation and application.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus remifentanil to blunt the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation: a randomized clinical trial

The study aims to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) vs. remifentanil (REM) to blunt the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation. Enrolled in a double-blind clinical trial, 124 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia at Amirkabir Hospital (Arak, Iran), were assigned into four groups equally (31 patients in each group), DEX, REM, DEX-REM, and normal saline (NS), who received intravenous DEX (1 µg/kg), REM (1 µg/kg), their equal mixture (each 0.5 µg/kg, 1 minute before tracheal intubation), and NS, respectively. Then, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) were measured on arrival to the operating room, 1 minute before laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, immediately after intubation, and afterwards every 5 to 15 minutes, and finally the data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. The groups were same regarding to age, sex and baseline hemodynamic variables including mean of BP (P = 0.157), HR (P = 0.105) and SaO₂ (P = 0.366). Tukey post-hoc test showed that there DEX, REM, and a DEX + REM groups was same regarding to MBP and HR, but these hemodynamic responses were higher in NS group than other groups at all time after laryngoscopy and intubation (P < 0.05). Moreover, repeated measure test showed a decreasing trend in MBP and HR in three intervention groups at all time after intubation (P > 0.05). A DEX/REM mixture had the lowest BP and three intervention groups had lower HR than the NS group. A mixture of the drugs used seems to lead to not only a prevented increase in HR and BP during laryngoscopy but also a decreased BP and HR. This study was registered in Iranian Registry Clinical Center with the registration No. IRCT2016092722254N1.

Comparing remifentanil, magnesium sulfate, and dexmedetomidine for intraoperative hypotension and bleeding and postoperative recovery in endoscopic sinus surgery and tympanomastoidectomy

The study aimed to compare remifentanil, magnesium sulfate, and dexmedetomidine for intraoperative hypotension, bleeding volume, and recovery time in endoscopic sinus surgery and tympanomastoidectomy (TM). A double-blind clinical trial enrolled the patients undergoing endoscopic nasal sinus surgery and TM at Amirkabir Hospital (Arak, Iran), who were randomly assigned into three groups dexmedetomidine (DEX), remifentanil (REM), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) to which we intravenously administered 1 μg/kg DEX, an intravenous dose of 1 μg/kg REM, and 40 mg/kg of intravenous MgSO₄, respectively. The blood loss, blood pressure (BP), heart ratio (HR), oxygen saturation (SaO₂), and recovery time were recorded. Significant differences were found statistically in bleeding rates among all groups (P = 0.0001). The least amount of blood loss (very mild bleeding) was observed at 82.85% in the DEX group. BP and HR were lower in this group than those in the other groups. While recovery score was significantly different in the three groups (P = 0.007), the recovery time was the highest in the DEX group, while the least in the REM group. Based on the present results Dexmedetomidine seems to better prevent from bleeding than the others. Moreover, DEX can cause lower BP and HR in subjects with lower propofol administration, but the recovery time is longer. This study was registered by IRCT2017021114056N11 in Iranian Registry Clinical Center.

Benson's Relaxation Effect in Comparing to Systematic Desensitization on Anxiety of Female Nurses: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction:

Nursing staffs expose to a high level of anxiety. This study aimed to compare the effect of Benson's relaxation and systematic desensitization methods for decreasing the anxiety score of nurses.

Materials and Methods:

In a randomized clinical trial, 72 female nurses were assigned randomly to three different groups. Benson's relaxation and systematic desensitization were used as intervention beside control group. After intervention, the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory was used for measuring the anxiety score. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test, and paired t-test were applied for comparing three group scores.

Results:

The ANOVA test showed that a significant difference among three groups regarding scores of posttrait and poststate anxiety (P < 0.05). The Tukey test showed that both Benson's relaxation and systematic desensitization methods were effective in decreasing of the anxiety score of nurses. Moreover, the mean change in trait and state anxiety scores at Benson's relaxation and systematic desensitization groups was more than control group, respectively, and was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Both Benson's relaxation and systematic desensitization methods are effective in improvement of the state and trait dimensions of anxiety. However, these methods could be applied in stressful situation among medical staffs of students.

Dexmedetomidine Combined With Intravenous Anesthetics in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate how the combined use of dexmedetomidine with intravenous anesthetics influences seizure duration and circulatory dynamics in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated the effect of dexmedetomidine on motor- or electroencephalogram (EEG)-based seizure durations and maximum mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) after ECT. Moreover, recovery time and post-ECT agitation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Six studies enrolling 166 patients in 706 ECT sessions were included. There was no significant difference in motor or EEG seizure duration between dexmedetomidine and nondexmedetomidine groups [motor: 6 studies; mean difference (MD), 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), -2.24 to 5.49; P = 0.41; EEG: 3 studies; MD, 2.34; 95% CI, -6.03 to 10.71; P = 0.58]. Both maximum MAP and HR after ECT were significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group (MAP: 6 studies; MD, -4.83; 95% CI, -8.43 to -1.22; P = 0.009; HR: 6 studies; MD, -6.68; 95% CI, -10.74 to -2.62; P = 0.001). Moreover, the addition of dexmedetomidine did not significantly prolong recovery time when the reduced-dose propofol was used (4 studies; MD, 63.27; 95% CI, -15.41 to 141.96; P = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of dexmedetomidine in ECT did not interfere with motor and EEG seizure durations but could reduce maximum MAP and HR after ECT. Besides, the addition of dexmedetomidine in ECT did not prolong recovery time when reduced-dose propofol was used. It might be worthwhile for patients to receive dexmedetomidine before the induction of anesthesia in ECT.

A comparison of dexmedetomidine with propofol versus esmolol with propofol to attenuate the hemodynamic stress responses after electroconvulsive therapy

BACKGROUND

Modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) under anesthesia is an important modality in the treatment of severe, persistent depression; bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; especially in cases resistant to pharmacologic therapy.

AIM

The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and esmolol on patients' hemodynamics, motor seizure duration, and recovery times following ECT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety cases aged between 18 and 50 years of the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I and II; were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each. Group A received normal saline (placebo), Group B received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, and Group C received esmolol 1 mg/kg; followed by induction with propofol 1 mg/kg and muscle relaxation with succinylcholine 0.75 mg/kg. Hemodynamic parameters at baseline, after study drug infusion, after induction, and after ECT application were recorded at different time intervals. The motor seizure duration using arm isolation method and recovery times using postanesthesia discharge scoring system were noted.

RESULTS

The maximum increase in hemodynamic parameters was seen following the ECT current application. Post-ECT rise in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in dexmedetomidine group was significantly less as compared to esmolol and control group at 2, 4, 6, and 8 min using unpaired t-test. There was no significant difference in motor seizure activity duration, emergence, and recovery times among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both dexmedetomidine and esmolol attenuate the hyperdynamic response to ECT without affecting the seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine has a more favorable response in view of stable vitals, smooth emergence and no adverse effect on recovery duration.

Outcome of four pretreatment regimes on hemodynamics during electroconvulsive therapy: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial

Context:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with tachycardia and hypertension.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to compare two doses of dexmedetomidine, esmolol, and lignocaine with respect to hemodynamics, seizure duration, emergence agitation (EA), and recovery profile.

Methodology:

Thirty patients undergoing ECT were assigned to each of the following pretreatment regimes over the course of five ECT sessions in a randomized crossover design: Group D1 (dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg), Group D0.5 (dexmedetomidine0.5 μg/kg), Group E (esmolol 1 mg/kg), Group L (lignocaine 1 mg/kg), and Group C (saline as placebo) before induction. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), seizure duration, EA, and time to discharge were evaluated.

Results:

Groups D1, D0.5, and esmolol had significantly reduced response of HR, MAP compared to lignocaine and control groups at 1, 3, 5 min after ECT (P < 0.05). Motor seizure duration was comparable in all groups except Group L (P = 0.000). Peak HR was significantly decreased in all groups compared to control. Total propofol requirement was reduced in D1 (P = 0.000) and D0.5 (P = 0.001) when compared to control. Time to spontaneous breathing was comparable in all the groups (P > 0.05). Time to eye opening and time to discharge were comparable in all groups (P > 0.05) except Group D1 (P = 0.001). EA score was least in Group D1 (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, 0.5 μg/kg, and esmolol produced significant amelioration of cardiovascular response to ECT without affecting seizure duration, results being best with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg. However, the latter has the shortcoming of delayed recovery.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on diseased coronary vessel diameter and myocardial protection in percutaneous coronary interventional patients

Introduction:

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist used for conscious sedation. It has also been shown to have a myocardial protective effect in off-pump coronary artery bypass patients. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine for myocardial protection in percutaneous coronary interventional patients.

Methodology:

A total of 60 patients (group dexmedetomidine, n = 30 and group normal saline, n = 30) were enrolled in the study. Dexmedetomidine infusion (1 mcg/kg) over 15 min was given as a loading dose after coronary angiography in group dexmedetomidine (D) while normal saline was given in the control group (C) and later maintenance infusion was started at 0.5 mcg/kg/h in both the groups. Coronary vessel diameter was noted before (T0) and after (T1) loading dose of dexmedetomidine/saline in each group. Troponin T (Trop T) values were noted at baseline (T0), 6 h (T2), 12 h (T3) and 24 h (T4) after starting the loading dose. Hemodynamic variables (heart rate [HR] and blood pressure) were monitored at T0, T1, and at regular intervals till 2 h postprocedure.

Results:

Coronary vessel diameter and HR significantly decreased in group D as compared to control group (P < 0.05) whereas the decrease in Trop T at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h were not statistically significant between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine decreases the coronary vessel diameter, but maintains the myocardial oxygen demand-supply ratio by decreasing the HR. The decrease in Trop T is statistically insignificant at the doses used.