Comparing the Effect of Adding Fentanyl, Sufentanil, and Placebo with Intrathecal Bupivacaine on Duration of Analgesia and Complications of Spinal Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section

Maternal and neonatal effects of epidural levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl or sufentanil for elective cesarean-section in brachycephalic breeds

The aim of this study was to compare the safety and clinical efficacy of epidural levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl or sufentanil for bitches undergoing elective cesarean-section and the impact of these anesthetic protocols on neonatal viability. The anesthetic protocol consisted of intramuscular morphine (0.2 mg/kg), followed by an intravenous bolus of propofol, in a dose sufficient to allowed the puncture of the lumbosacral space. The dogs were randomly allocated to receive 0.5 % levobupivacaine plus fentanyl (2.5 µg/kg; LF: n = 9) or sufentanil (1 µg/kg; LS; n = 11). Maternal cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored at specific time points during surgery. Intraoperative propofol supplementation was based on the presence of head and/or thoracic limb movements. Neonatal reflex responses and the Apgar score (range 0-10 points) were assessed at 5 and 60 minutes after birth. Puppy mortality rate was recorded until 24 hours after birth. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). Intraoperatively, maternal cardiorespiratory variables and propofol requirements were similar between groups, with no detection of anesthetic complications. The puppy reflex responses did not differ between groups at any time point. The medians (range) of Apgar scores were lower (P = 0.016) in the LF [5 (1-9)] at 5 minutes in comparison with LS [6 (2-9)], while no intergroup differences were recorded at 60 minutes [LF = 8 (2-10); LS = 9 (6-10]. The total mortality rate was 4.1 %. In the LS group, no puppies died, while in the LF 8 % of the puppies died in the first 24 hours after birth (P = 0.11). Epidural levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl or sufentanil provided minimal maternal and neonatal adverse effects, but neither protocol enabled the performance of a C-section in 100 % of the French and English bulldogs, without propofol supplementation.

Post-cesarean Delivery Analgesia Using Spinal Anesthesia: Ropivacaine-Fentanyl vs. Ropivacaine-Sufentanil

Background

To improve the quality of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia during spinal anesthesia, intrathecal opioids are used as adjuvant drugs in combination with local anesthetics.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the intrathecal injection of ropivacaine-fentanyl with ropivacaine-sufentanil in terms of the duration of analgesia after cesarean section (CS).

Methods

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on women referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital of Ahvaz City for elective CS in 2021. A total of 51 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group (n = 25) received ropivacaine (17.5 mg) + fentanyl (25 μg), while the second group (n = 26) received ropivacaine (17.5 mg) + sufentanil (2.5 μg) for spinal anesthesia. Eventually, several parameters were investigated, including the duration of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia (based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)), hemodynamic parameters, and possible complications.

Results

The duration of surgery (P = 0.059) and the duration of motor block (P = 0.962) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean duration of analgesia (from the time of entering recovery to reaching VAS = 3) was 203.12 ± 72.93 and 207.46 ± 69.59 minutes in the fentanyl and sufentanil groups, respectively (P = 0.658). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) drops in minute 5 were observed more frequently in the sufentanil group than in the fentanyl group (P = 0.027 and P = 0.002, respectively). At the other time points, however, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of hemodynamic variables (P > 0.05). Finally, the frequency of pruritus was higher in the sufentanil group than in the fentanyl group (26.9% vs. 4.0%; P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Adding fentanyl or sufentanil to intrathecal ropivacaine provides a similar duration of analgesia. However, fentanyl was associated with better hemodynamic stability and a lower incidence of pruritus.

Safety and effectiveness of adding fentanyl or sufentanil to spinal anesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Spinal infusions of either fentanyl or sufentanil have been reported in international reports, articles, and scientific events worldwide. This study aimed to determine whether intrathecal fentanyl or sufentanil offers safety in mortality and perioperative adverse events.

METHODS

MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane library databases), gray literature, hand-searching, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials with no language, data, or status restrictions were included, comparing the effectiveness and safety of adding spinal lipophilic opioid to local anesthetics (LAs). Data were pooled using the random-effects models or fixed-effect models based on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The initial search retrieved 4469 records; 3241 records were eligible, and 3152 articles were excluded after reading titles and abstracts, with a high agreement rate (98.6%). After reading the full texts, 76 articles remained. Spinal fentanyl and sufentanil significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption, increased analgesia and pruritus. Fentanyl, but not sufentanil, significantly reduced both postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative shivering; compared to LAs alone. The analyzed studies did not report any case of in-hospital mortality related to spinal lipophilic opioids. The rate of respiratory depression was 0.7% and 0.8% when spinal fentanyl or sufentanil was added and when it was not, respectively. Episodes of respiratory depression were rare, uneventful, occurred intraoperatively, and were easily manageable.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate to high quality certainty that there is evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of adding lipophilic opioids to LAs in spinal anesthesia.

Hemodynamic and analgesic effect of intrathecal fentanyl with bupivacaine in patients undergoing elective cesarean section; a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine has side effects such as hypotension, respiratory depression, vomiting, and shivering. The side effects are dose-dependent, therefore different approaches have been attempted to avoid spinal-induced complications including lowering the dose of local anesthetic and mixing it with additives like Neuraxial opioids.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Hemodynamic and analgesic effects of intrathecal fentanyl as an adjuvant with low and conventional doses of bupivacaine in patients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

METHODOLOGY

An institutional-based prospective cohort study was conducted on 90 patients. Data was collected with chart review, intraoperative observation, and postoperatively patient interview. Data was entered into EPI INFO and transport to SPSS version 23 for analysis of variables using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis H rank test, and chi-square.

RESULT

Hypotension but not bradycardia, was significantly frequent in a conventional dose of bupivacaine alone (CB) group and a conventional dose of bupivacaine with fentanyl (CBF) groups than that of the lower dose of bupivacaine with fentanyl (LBF) groups. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in LBF (248± 35.6 minutes) and in CBF groups (260.3±40.3 minutes) than in CB group (167.10 ± 31.45 minutes). Time for the first analgesic request was significantly later in LBF (304±47.8 minutes) and CBF (294.6±99.5 minutes) groups than that in CB group (177±25.88 minutes).

CONCLUSION

The Lower dose of bupivacaine is associated with less risk of hypotension and faster recovery. Adding fentanyl with the lower dose of bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section could provide comparable anesthesia with the lower risk of hypotension and longer postoperative analgesia.

Impacts of intrathecal fentanyl on the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an event of multifactorial origin with an incidence of 30% in the general population. Opioids such as fentanyl are being used as adjuvant to local anesthetic for its antiemetic effect. In this context, with this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of spinal fentanyl as an adjuvant on the incidence of PONV compared with a placebo, and shivering. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of spinal fentanyl in the prevention of PONV and shivering was conducted in different databases, of which 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2116 patients scheduled for various surgeries, including cesarean section, orthopedic surgery in the lower limb, hysterectomy, and transurethral resection of the prostate, were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis estimated the relative risk of incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours after surgery and secondary outcomes included the shivering symptom. The use of intrathecal fentanyl was associated with lower incidence of PONV, but not statistically significant when compared to the placebo (RR: 0.74 CI95%: 0.55-1.01 P = 0.06). Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in PONV incidences with lower doses between 10 and 15 μg (RR: 0.44 CI95%: 0.35-0.55 P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) but not with higher doses 20-25 μg. Secondary outcomes showed a decrease in incidence with the use of fentanyl vs the placebo (RR: 0.49, CI95% 0.33-0.72 P = 0.0003). Current evidence shows that the use of spinal fentanyl decreases the incidence of PONV, an effect favored using low doses.

Sufentanil for Spinal Analgesia during Cesarean Section Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of sufentanil for spinal analgesia during cesarean section.

METHOD

Eligible papers were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and ScienceDirect. Two researchers independently extracted primary and secondary endpoints to compute relative risk and mean difference by using the random-effects model or the fixed-effects model, as appropriate. Publication bias was quantified and assessed using funnel plot and Egger's test.

RESULT

A total of 8 publications with 503 pregnant women were included in this study for meta-analysis. Subarachnoid administration of sufentanil did not significantly reduce the onset time of sensory block and motor block. Nonetheless, subarachnoid administration of sufentanil significantly increased the incidence of postoperative skin pruritus (RR = 5.25, 95%CI: 1.90, 14.49, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Subarachnoid administration of sufentanil has no significant difference in the combined effect value of shortening the onset time of sensory block and motor block, prolonging the onset time of local anesthesia and the incidence of some adverse reactions (such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and tremors). However, the incidence of skin pruritus was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant. Because of this, the drug still needs to be used with caution in combination with the actual situation in clinical use.

Comparative Study of the Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Fentanyl with Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Background:

This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after lower segment cesarean section. The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of subarachnoid fentanyl versus TAP block with respect to duration of postoperative analgesia, time for first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, time to first breastfeed and Apgar score at 1 and 5 min.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-two patients undergoing elective or emergency cesarean delivery were recruited for the study in a prospective, randomized, single-blind manner. The patients were randomly allocated to either intrathecal fentanyl group (Group F) or TAP block group (Group T) after determining the eligibility criteria. Group F patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy with 25 mcg of fentanyl. Group T patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy prior to surgery and at the end of surgery, they received TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 20 mL on each side.

Results:

Group T had significantly longer time for the first analgesic request (7.65 ± 1.23 h) than group F (4.10 ± 0.32 h). The total analgesic consumption in 24 h was significantly less in Group T (1.0 ± 0) than Group F (2.13 ± 0.34). The Visual Analogue Scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly less in Group T than Group F at all-time points. The Apgar score at 1 and 5 min and time to first breast feed were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of side effects was less in Group T.

Conclusion:

This study indicated that ultrasound-guided TAP block has a better analgesic as well as safety profile compared to intrathecal fentanyl for cesarean delivery.

Effects on newborns of applying bupivacaine combined with different doses of fentanyl for cesarean section

BACKGROUND

The choice of anesthesia for cesarean section is very important.

AIM

To compare the effects of applying bupivacaine combined with different doses of fentanyl on newborns after cesarean section.

METHODS

We randomly divided one hundred and twenty patients undergoing cesarean section into the following 4 groups: group B (bupivacaine group), group BF10 (bupivacaine combined with 10 µg fentanyl), group BF30 (bupivacaine combined with 30 µg fentanyl) and group BF50 (bupivacaine combined with 50 µg fentanyl). The heart rate, mean arterial pressure, block plane fixation time and sensory block time were recorded. Umbilical artery blood was then collected immediately after fetal delivery for blood gas analysis and qualitative detection of fentanyl. Additionally, data on the neonatal 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores, results of umbilical artery blood gas analysis and qualitative detection of fentanyl in umbilical artery blood were recorded.

RESULTS

Although the mean arterial pressure decreased in all four groups at 3 min after anesthesia, the percentage of the decrease was less than 20% of the baseline. In addition, there were no significant differences in the 1-min or 5-min Apgar scores or the umbilical artery blood gas analysis among the four groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the concentration of fentanyl in umbilical artery blood was qualitatively detected using an ELISA kit, and the results in the four groups were negative.

CONCLUSION

Bupivacaine combined with fentanyl spinal anesthesia is effective in cesarean section.

Effects of intrathecal opioids on cesarean section: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

We aimed to compare the beneficial and harmful effects of opioids used as adjuncts to local anesthetics in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception until March, 2021 without language restrictions. The primary outcome was the complete analgesia duration (Time to VAS > 0). Data were synthesized using the Bayesian random-effects model. Evidence confidence was evaluated using the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 66 placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 4400 patients undergoing elective cesarean section. Compared with the placebo, intrathecal opioids (fentanyl, sufentanil, and morphine) significantly prolonged the analgesia duration by 96, 96, and 190 min, respectively (mean difference). Despite morphine ranking first, opioid efficacy was similar; the results were inconsistent with respect to other analgesic outcomes. Except for diamorphine, all opioids were associated with significant increases in the pruritus incidence. Sufentanil and morphine were associated with increases in the respiratory depression incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed that intrathecal opioids benefit postoperative analgesia. Although morphine seems to be the most appropriate agent, some results were inconsistent, and the evidence confidence was often moderate or low, especially for adverse outcomes. Well-designed RCTs with an evidence-based approach are imperative for determining the most appropriate opioid for cesarean sections.

Addition of low-dose sufentanil to ropivacaine for reducing shivering and visceral traction pain during cesarean section

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of low-dose sufentanil for preventing shivering and visceral traction pain during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. A total of 112 full-term parturients who underwent elective caesarean delivery were randomly divided into two groups. Group R received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine intrathecally and group RS received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine plus 5 µg sufentanil intrathecally.

Results

There were no significant differences in the maximum sensory block time, motor block time, duration of the surgery, and heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and blood oxygen saturation before and 1, 5, and 10 minutes after spinal anesthesia, and at the end of the surgery between the two groups. Shivering was significantly more common in group R (n = 30) than in group RS (n = 8). The incidence of visceral traction pain in group R (46.43%) was significantly higher than that in group RS (14.29%). There was no significant difference in the newborns’ Apgar scores between the groups.

Conclusion

Adding low-dose sufentanil to ropivacaine can significantly reduce the incidence of shivering and visceral traction pain after spinal anesthesia.

Interventions for preventing nausea and vomiting in women undergoing regional anaesthesia for caesarean section

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms which are experienced commonly during caesarean section under regional anaesthesia and in the postoperative period.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions versus placebo or no intervention given prophylactically to prevent nausea and vomiting in women undergoing regional anaesthesia for caesarean section.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (16 April 2020), and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of studies and conference abstracts, and excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over studies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. Our primary outcomes are intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Data entry was checked. Two review authors independently assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-four studies (involving 10,990 women) met our inclusion criteria. Sixty-nine studies, involving 8928 women, contributed data. Most studies involved women undergoing elective caesarean section. Many studies were small with unclear risk of bias and sometimes few events. The overall certainty of the evidence assessed using GRADE was moderate to very low. 5-HT3 antagonists: We found intraoperative nausea may be reduced by 5-HT3 antagonists (average risk ratio (aRR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 0.71, 12 studies, 1419 women, low-certainty evidence). There may be a reduction in intraoperative vomiting but the evidence is very uncertain (aRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73, 11 studies, 1414 women, very low-certainty evidence). There is probably a reduction in postoperative nausea (aRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.54, 10 studies, 1340 women, moderate-certainty evidence), and these drugs may show a reduction in postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.69, 10 studies, 1450 women, low-certainty evidence). Dopamine antagonists: We found dopamine antagonists may reduce intraoperative nausea but the evidence is very uncertain (aRR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.52, 15 studies, 1180 women, very low-certainty evidence). Dopamine antagonists may reduce intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.60, 12 studies, 942 women, low-certainty evidence) and postoperative nausea (aRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.79, 7 studies, 601 women, low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if dopamine antagonists reduce postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.92, 9 studies, 860 women, very low-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids (steroids): We are uncertain if intraoperative nausea is reduced by corticosteroids (aRR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.83, 6 studies, 609 women, very low-certainty evidence) similarly for intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.87, 6 studies, 609 women, very low-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids probably reduce postoperative nausea (aRR 0.59, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.73, 6 studies, 733 women, moderate-certainty evidence), and may reduce postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.95, 7 studies, 793 women, low-certainty evidence). Antihistamines: Antihistamines may have little to no effect on intraoperative nausea (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.11, 1 study, 149 women, very low-certainty evidence) or intraoperative vomiting (no events in the one study of 149 women). Antihistamines may reduce postoperative nausea (aRR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.64, 4 studies, 514 women, low-certainty evidence), however, we are uncertain whether antihistamines reduce postoperative vomiting (average RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.81, 3 studies, 333 women, very low-certainty evidence). Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics may reduce intraoperative nausea (aRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.87, 4 studies, 453 women, low-certainty evidence) but may have little to no effect on intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.79, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.54, 4 studies; 453 women, very low-certainty evidence). No studies looked at anticholinergics in postoperative nausea, but they may reduce postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.74, 1 study, 161 women, low-certainty evidence). Sedatives: We found that sedatives probably reduce intraoperative nausea (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.82, 8 studies, 593 women, moderate-certainty evidence) and intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.35, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.52, 8 studies, 593 women, moderate-certainty evidence). However, we are uncertain whether sedatives reduce postoperative nausea (aRR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.71, 2 studies, 145 women, very low-certainty evidence) and they may reduce postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.28, 2 studies, 145 women, low-certainty evidence). Opioid antagonists: There were no studies assessing intraoperative nausea or vomiting. Opioid antagonists may result in little or no difference to the number of women having postoperative nausea (aRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.45, 1 study, 120 women, low-certainty evidence) or postoperative vomiting (aRR 1.25, 95% CI 0.35 to 4.43, 1 study, 120 women, low-certainty evidence). Acupressure: It is uncertain whether acupressure/acupuncture reduces intraoperative nausea (aRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.74, 9 studies, 1221 women, very low-certainty evidence). Acupressure may reduce intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.80, 9 studies, 1221 women, low-certainty evidence) but it is uncertain whether it reduces postoperative nausea (aRR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.75, 7 studies, 1069 women, very low-certainty evidence) or postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.79, 7 studies, 1069 women, very low-certainty evidence). Ginger: It is uncertain whether ginger makes any difference to the number of women having intraoperative nausea (aRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.21, 2 studies, 331 women, very low-certainty evidence), intraoperative vomiting (aRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.00, 2 studies, 331 women, very low-certainty evidence), postoperative nausea (aRR 0.63, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.77, 1 study, 92 women, very low-certainty evidence) and postoperative vomiting (aRR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.65, 1 study, 92 women, very low-certainty evidence). Few studies assessed our secondary outcomes including adverse effects or women's views.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review indicates that 5-HT3 antagonists, dopamine antagonists, corticosteroids, sedatives and acupressure probably or possibly have efficacy in reducing nausea and vomiting in women undergoing regional anaesthesia for caesarean section. However the certainty of evidence varied widely and was generally low. Future research is needed to assess side effects of treatment, women's views and to compare the efficacy of combinations of different medications.

The efficacy of spinal anaesthesia with fentanyl supplementation for arthroscopic knee surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of spinal anaesthesia with fentanyl supplementation for arthroscopic knee surgery remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of fentanyl supplementation for arthroscopic knee surgery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library databases through May 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of fentanyl supplementation for arthroscopic knee surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Five RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with the control group for knee arthroscopy, fentanyl supplementation is associated with decreased time for sensory block regression to S1 (mean difference (MD) = -47.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -56.74 to -38.02; p < 0.00001), first ambulation (MD = -41.65; 95% CI = -65.11 to -18.19; p = 0.0005), first urination (MD = -23.45; 95% CI = -32.16 to -14.74; p < 0.00001) and hospital discharge (MD = -29.39; 95% CI = -44.73 to -14.06; p = 0.0002) but has no substantial influence on onset time of anaesthesia (MD = 0.50; 95% CI = -1.71 to 2.70; p = 0.66), duration for motor blockade (MD = -42.56; 95% CI = -119.18 to 34.07; p = 0.28), pruritus (risk ratio (RR) = 2.17; 95% CI = 0.28 to 16.90; p = 0.46) or nausea (RR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.10 to 1.81; p = 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Fentanyl supplementation benefits postoperative recovery after knee arthroscopy.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on spinal anesthesia quality and hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery: intravenous versus intrathecal

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of spinal anesthesia and hemodynamic parameters of intravenous versus intrathecal dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Fifty male patients aged 18-70 years with ASA I and II were randomly divided into two groups of 25 patients receiving either intravenous (1 μg/kg infused during 10 min before blockade) or intrathecal (5 μg, added to local anesthetics) dexmedetomidine. The duration of analgesia, sensory and motor blockade levels, the score of pain intensity, post-operative analgesic usage and the level of sedation as well as hemodynamic changes, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The duration of analgesia in the intrathecal group was significantly longer than intravenous group (403.588 ± 93.706 vs. 274.048 ± 47.266 min; P < 0.001). Duration of the sensory and motor blockade were significantly longer in intrathecal than intravenous group (230.440 ± 26.494 vs. 181.400 ± 28.850 min; P < 0.001 for sensory block, and 253.800 ± 32.637 vs. 205.400 ± 30.921 min; P < 0.001 for motor block). The score of pain intensity was lower in the intrathecal group in the post-operative period (3.680 ± 1.680 vs. 5.520 ± 1.901; P = 0.001 and 2.360 ± 1.320 vs. 3.24 ± 1.69; P = 0.041, respectively, for the time 6 and 12). Ramsay sedation score was higher in the intravenous group during surgery but it was higher in intrathecal group during recovery room period (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of bradycardia was significantly lower in the intrathecal group (0% vs. 36% respectively; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Administration of intrathecal dexmedetomidine along with local anesthetics can be recommended to increase the quality of spinal anesthesia with minimal complications.

Comparison of Intrathecal Injection of Fentanyl and Sufentanil on the Onset, Duration, and Quality of Analgesia in Labor: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background

Labor pain is a severe pain, and intrathecal opioid injection is one of the analgesia methods to reduce it.

Objectives

We assessed the effects of intrathecal Fentanyl and Sufentanil on the onset, duration, and quality of analgesia for labor analgesia.

Methods

In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 54 healthy nulliparous women 18 - 45 years in the active phase of labor who were requesting labor analgesia were enrolled in two groups fentanyl (F) and sufentanil (S). Patients received 75 µg fentanyl or 7.5 µg sufentanil intrathecally in the fentanyl group (n = 27) and the sufentanil group (n = 27), respectively. Pain relief, onset, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, patients' satisfaction, and neonatal Apgar score were assessed in this study. Data were analyzed by using SPSS16.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic and hemodynamic parameters. The onset time of analgesia was 5.6 ± 4.3 and 3.6 ± 2.1 minutes, in the sufentanil and fentanyl groups, respectively (P = 0.037). The duration of analgesia was higher in patients who received sufentanil than those who received fentanyl (113 ± 45 vs. 103 ± 22 minutes (P = 0.629)). The pain score in the Fentanyl group was significantly lower at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after spinal analgesia (P < 0.05). The sedation score at 1 and 5 minutes was significantly higher in the fentanyl group than the sufentanil group (P < 0.05). The frequency and severity of pruritus and satisfaction rate in the fentanyl group were significantly higher than the sufentanil group.

Conclusions

Intrathecal fentanyl and sufentanil have a similar analgesic effect on labor. Fentanyl is associated with a faster onset of analgesia and more satisfaction, while sufentanil has longer analgesia.

Comparative effects of fentanyl versus sufentanil on cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing open surgery

This study was aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of fentanyl and sufentanil on intraoperative cerebral oxygen saturation changes and postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing open surgery. Ninety-six elderly patients who had undergone open surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into fentanyl group (F group, anesthesia by fentanyl, 4 g/kg) and sufentanil group (S group, anesthesia by sufentanil, 0.4 µg/kg). There were no significant differences between the F group and S group in the general characteristics of patients. Compared to the F group, the S group had a better effect on suppressing the stress response, maintaining a stable hemodynamic status and achieving better anesthesia effects. The anesthesia recovery time of the S group was significantly shorter than that of the F group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the intraoperative and postoperative agitation. Patient's waking time and extubation time were significantly shorter in the S group than the F group. The VAS scores in the S group were significantly lower than those in the F group at each time point. The Ramsay scores in the S group were significantly higher than those in the F group at each time point. The cerebral oxygen saturation (SctO₂) levels in both groups were significantly increased following anesthesia induction and intubation compared to that of the awake state (P < 0.05), and SctO₂ was significantly decreased during the surgery in both groups. The changes in SctO₂ levels were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The SctO₂ level was significantly higher during surgery than that after intubation. Compared with the F group, the relative value of SctO₂ decline in the S group was smaller. Compared to the day before surgery, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of both groups were significantly reduced after surgery. At 1 day post-surgery, the MoCA scores of the S group were significantly higher and the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was significantly lower compared to the F group. POCD occurred in three patients (6.2%) in the S group, and the ratio was significantly lower than that in the F group (11.9%) (P < 0.05). It showed a consistent trend with the SctO₂ status during the surgery. The relative value of SctO₂ decline in the S group was significantly smaller than that in the F group. The reduction of cognitive function in the S group was significantly lower than that in the F group. These results indicate that the changes in SctO₂ are a good prediction of the incidence of POCD.