Young Ju Won

Sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Previous studies have shown that sugammadex, a modified &ggr;-cyclodextrin, is a well-tolerated agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) induced by a steroidal neuromuscular blocking drug in adult patients. However, its use has not been reviewed in pediatric patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex in the reversal of rocuronium-induced NMB during surgery under general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Methods:A literature search was performed using the Pubmed, EMBASE: Drugs and pharmacology, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data collected from different trials were pooled; the weighted mean difference or the pooled risk ratio and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for analysis, and heterogeneity (I2) assessment was performed. Results:Six randomized controlled trials comparing 253 pediatric patients (age range, 2–18 years) were included in the final analysis. The mean time taken to reach a train-of-four ratio of ≥0.9 was significantly shorter in the sugammadex groups (2 and 4 mg/kg) than in the control group (neostigmine or placebo), although the heterogeneity was high. The weighted mean differences of the 2 and 4 mg/kg sugammadex groups were −7.15 (95% CI: −10.77 to −3.54; I2 = 96%; P = 0.0001) and −17.32 (95% CI: −29.31 to −5.32; I2 = 98%; P = 0.005), respectively. The extubation time in the sugammadex group was shorter than that in the control group; the weighted mean difference of the sugammadex group was −6.00 (95% CI: −11.46 to −0.53; I2 = 99%; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the incidence of postanesthetic adverse events; the pooled risk ratio was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.27–1.71; I2 = 59%; P = 0.41). Conclusion:We suggest that sugammadex is fast and effective in reversing rocuronium-induced NMB in pediatric patients. Although there was no evidence of a higher incidence of adverse events with sugammadex compared to that with neostigmine or placebo, much more data regarding the safety of sugammadex in pediatric patients may be still required.

Comparison of the incidence of emergence agitation and emergence times between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The differences in the incidence and severity of emergence agitation (EA) and emergence times between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia have not been as clearly elucidated in children as in adults. Methods:The design of the study is a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The study methodology is based on the Cochrane Review Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials comparing the incidence or severity of EA and emergence times in children anesthetized with desflurane or sevoflurane. Two reviewers independently assessed each study according to predefined inclusion criteria and extracted data from each study using a prespecified data extraction form. The data from each study were combined using a fixed effect or random effect model to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results:Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the 1196 patients in these 14 studies, 588 received desflurane anesthesia and 608 received sevoflurane anesthesia. The incidence of EA was comparable between the 2 groups (pooled RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.96–1.53; I2 = 26%), and so was the severity of EA (EA score) between the 2 groups (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.27; I2 = 0%). Extubation and awakening times were shorter in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group; the weighted mean differences were −2.21 (95% CI: −3.62 to −0.81; I2 = 93%) and −2.74 (95% CI: −3.80 to −1.69; I2 = 85%), respectively. No publication bias was found in the funnel plot. The subgroup analysis based on the type of EA scale showed a higher incidence of EA in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group in studies using 3-, 4-, or 5-point EA scales; the pooled RR was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.10–1.73; I2 = 37%). Conclusion:The incidence and severity of EA were comparable between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in children; however, emergence times, including extubation and awakening times, were shorter in desflurane anesthesia.

Comparison of relative oxycodone consumption in surgical pleth index-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia during sevoflurane anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:The surgical pleth index (SPI) is proposed for titration of analgesic drugs during general anesthesia. Several reports have investigated the effect of SPI on the consumption of opioids including remifentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil during anesthesia, but there are no reports about oxycodone. We aimed to investigate intravenous oxycodone consumption between SPI-guided analgesia and conventional analgesia practices during sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods:Forty-five patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to an SPI group (SPI-guided analgesia group, n = 23) or a control group (conventional analgesia group, n = 22). Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane to achieve bispectral index values between 40 and 60. In the SPI group, oxycodone 1 mg was administered intravenously at SPI values over 50; in the control group, oxycodone 1 mg was administered intravenously at the occurrence of tachycardia or hypertension event. Intraoperative oxycodone consumption and extubation time were recorded. The number of hemodynamic and somatic movement events was recorded, as were postoperative pain and recovery scores. Results:Patients’ characteristics were comparable between the groups. Intraoperative oxycodone consumption in the SPI group was significantly lower than the control group (3.5 ± 2.4 vs 5.1 ± 2.4 mg; P = 0.012). Extubation time was significantly shorter in the SPI group (10.6 ± 3.5 vs 13.4 ± 4.6 min; P = 0.026). Hemodynamic and somatic movement events during anesthesia were comparable between the groups, as were numeric rating scales for pain and modified Aldrete scores at postanesthesia care unit. Conclusions:SPI-guided analgesia reduces intravenous oxycodone consumption and extubation time compared with conventional analgesia based on clinical parameters during sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Effect of Perioperative Terlipressin on Postoperative Renal Function in Patients Who Have Undergone Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown the efficacy of terlipressin on postoperative renal function in patients who have undergone living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of perioperative terlipressin on postoperative renal function in patients who have undergone LDLT and to analyze the hemodynamic data during transplantation surgery. STUDY DESIGN A meta-analysis. METHODS We assessed the postoperative peak serum creatinine level and changes in the hemodynamic data (e.g. the mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance). We collected randomized controlled trials from PubMed, EMBASE Drugs and Pharmacology, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Cochrane Database on Systematic Reviews. Analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2. Data from each trial were pooled and weighted by their mean differences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A heterogeneity assessment was performed. RESULTS Three trials (151 patients) were included. The difference in the mean (95% CI) peak serum creatinine (mg/dL) levels postoperatively was not significant between the intervention and control groups (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.27; CI: -0.55-0.01; P = .06). Terlipressin significantly decreased heart rate during the anhepatic phase (WMD: -6.58; 95% CI: -8.85 to -4.31; P < .00001) with a low heterogeneity (I(2) = 41%) and significantly decreased heart rate during the neohepatic phase (WMD: -9.82; 95% CI: -11.96 to -7.68; P < .00001), although the heterogeneity was high (I(2) > 50%). CONCLUSIONS An intravenous infusion of terlipressin perioperatively for LDLT has no effect on the creatinine values postoperatively. Larger randomized controlled trials on terlipressin infusions during liver transplantation are needed.

Comparison of clinical validation of acceleromyography and electromyography in children who were administered rocuronium during general anesthesia: a prospective double-blinded randomized study

Background Electromyography and acceleromyography are common neuromuscular monitoring devices. However, questions still remain regarding the use of acceleromyography in children. This study compared the calibration success rates and intubation conditions in children after obtaining the maximal blockade depending on each of the devices Methods Children, 3 to 6 years old, were randomly allocated to the TOF-Watch SX acceleromyography group or the NMT electromyography group. The induction was performed with propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. The bispectral index and 1 Hz single twitch were monitored during observation. The calibration of the each device was begun when the BIS dropped to 60. After successful calibration, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected. A tracheal intubation was performed when the twitch height suppressed to 0. The rocuronium onset time (time from administration to the maximal depression of twitch height) and intubating conditions were rated in a blinded manner. Results There was no difference in the calibration success rates between the two groups; and the calibration time in the electromyography group (16.7 ± 11.0 seconds) was shorter than the acceleromyography group (28.1 ± 13.4 seconds, P = 0.012). The rocuronium onset time of the electromyography group (73.6 ± 18.9 seconds) was longer than the acceleromyography group (63.9 ± 18.8 seconds, P = 0.042) and the intubation condition of the electromyography group (2.27 ± 0.65) was better than the acceleromyography group (1.86 ± 0.50, P = 0.007). Conclusions Electromyography offers a better compromise than acceleromyography with respect to the duration of calibration process and surrogate for the optimal time of tracheal intubation in children.

The effect of nicardipine on the surgical pleth index during thyroidectomy under general anesthesia: A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background: The effectiveness of surgical pleth index (SPI) for managing nociception-antinociception balance during general anesthesia with vasodilators, including nicardipine has not been demonstrated. We aimed to compare the time course during surgery in SPI values in patients receiving nicardipine or remifentanil infusion during thyroidectomy. Methods: Forty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive nicardipine (group N; n = 19) or remifentanil (group R; n = 21) along with induction (propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium) and maintenance (50% desflurane/nitrous oxide in oxygen) anesthesia (goal bispectral index [BIS] ∼50). The infusion of nicardipine or remifentanil was started before the 1st incision and adjusted to keep mean blood pressure (MBP) within ±20% of the preoperative value. SPI, BIS, end-tidal desflurane concentration (EtDes), MBP, and heart rate were recorded at 2.5 minute intervals from the 1st incision to the end of surgery. Extubation and recovery times, pain score/rescue ketorolac consumption, and adverse events in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) were recorded. Results: The trend of SPI during surgery was comparable between the 2 groups (P = 0.804), although the heart rates in group N were significantly higher than those in group R (P = 0.040). The patient characteristics, trends of BIS, EtDes, and MBP during surgery, extubation and recovery times, and incidence of nausea/vomiting were comparable between the groups. Group N had significantly lower pain scores and rescue ketorolac consumption at PACU. Conclusion: SPI was comparable between patients receiving nicardipine or remifentanil infusion during thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, which suggests that the administration of nicardipine may confound the interpretation of SPI values during general anesthesia. Clinical trial registration: This trial was registered in the UMIN clinical trials registry (unique trial number: UMIN000019058; registration number: R000022028; principal investigators name: Young Ju Won; date of registration: September 17, 2015).

Usefulness of surgical pleth index-guided analgesia during general anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective Previous studies comparing surgical pleth index (SPI)-guided and conventional analgesia have shown differing results. Therefore, we compared the intraoperative opioid requirement, extubation time, postoperative pain scores, and perioperative adverse events between these two modalities. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the intraoperative opioid requirement and other outcomes between the two modalities. The mean difference (MD) or the pooled risk ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for analysis. A heterogeneity (I2) assessment was performed. Results Six randomized controlled trials comparing 463 patients were included. Intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the SPI-guided than conventional analgesia group (standardized MD, −0.41; 95% CI, −0.70 to −0.11; I2 = 53%). No significant intergroup difference was observed in the pain score on the first postoperative day or the incidence of perioperative adverse events. The extubation time was considerably shorter in the SPI-guided than conventional analgesia group (MD, −1.91; 95% CI, −3.33 to −0.49; I2 = 67%). Conclusions Compared with conventional analgesia, SPI-guided analgesia can reduce intraoperative opioid consumption and facilitate extubation. Moreover, no intergroup difference was observed in the degree of postoperative pain or incidence of perioperative adverse events.

Unusual elevation in Entropy but not in PSI during general anesthesia: a case report

BackgroundEEG monitoring is useful for determining an adequate level of anesthesia. However it is sometimes interfered by various reasons. We describe a case in which we successfully confirmed the adequate depth of anesthesia by monitoring the patient state index (PSI), which was computed from the SedLine monitor data in Root (Masimo) during general anesthesia. Our case showed unusual elevations in entropy, but not in PSI.Case presentationA 34-year-old woman was scheduled for emergency surgery for a left tibial open fracture and a right femoral closed fracture, which were sustained during a traffic accident. Forty-five minutes after intubation, the response entropy abruptly increased up to 100 and state entropy to 91. Despite the absence of other abnormal events, the entropy data led to two types of incorrect decisions. The first was owing to the effect of the EMG and the second was misleading during the surgeon’s hammering. However, PSI from the SedLine monitor seemed to be less influenced by the same events.ConclusionsIn this report, we suggest that the PSI, derived from new-generation SedLine (Root, Masimo) may be a useful parameter for clinically determining the level of sedation. The use of two monitoring devices with different EEG algorithms might be helpful for determining the anesthetic depth and making decisions.

The utility of bispectral index monitoring for prevention of rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement in children: A randomized controlled trial

Background: This study was designed to determine whether a deep hypnotic state with a bispectral index (BIS) value less than 40 could alleviate withdrawal movement (WM) upon rocuronium injection during anesthesia induction in children. Methods: Finally, 135 healthy children (3–12 years) scheduled for minor elective surgery were studied. Without premedication, anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (control vs experimental) and then by virtue of rocuronium injection time, patients in the experimental group were allocated into 2 groups, as follows: in the control group (group C; n = 45), rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered at the loss of eyelash reflex; in the 1st experimental group, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered when BIS fell to less than 40 (group T; n = 45); however, if BIS did not fall below 40 after thiopental sodium administration, manual ventilation was provided with oxygen 6 L/minute using sevoflurane 8% and then rocuronium was administered when BIS fell below 40 (the 2nd experimental group, group S; n = 45). Rocuronium-induced WM was evaluated using a 4-point scale (no movement; movement/withdrawal involving the arm only; generalized response, with movement/withdrawal of more than 1 extremity, but no requirement for restraint of the body; and generalized response which required restraint of the body and caused coughing or breath-holding). Results: No significant differences were found among the groups for patient characteristics including age, sex, height, and location of venous cannula. However, body weight, height, and body mass index in group S were all smaller than those in group T. The incidence of WM caused by rocuronium was 100% in group C, 95.6% in group T, and 80% in group S, and was significantly lower in group S than in group C. The grade of WM was 3.7 ± 0.6 in group C, 3.2 ± 0.9 in group T, and 2.6 ± 1.0 in group S. It was significantly lower in group T than in group C and significantly lower in group S than in groups C and T. Conclusion: The confirmation of a deep hypnotic state with BIS values lower than 40 using BIS monitoring can reduce the grade of rocuronium-induced WMs during anesthesia induction using thiopental sodium or sevoflurane in children.

Use of Terlipressin in an Elderly Patient With Moderate Aortic Valve Stenosis Accompanied by Episodic Atrial Fibrillation During Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Anesthesia for patients with moderate aortic stenosis accompanied by atrial fibrillation during high-risk surgery such as liver transplantation remains a challenge in maintaining control of heart rate and maintenance of cardiac output. The action of terlipressin on vasopressin receptors (mainly V1 receptors) leads to splanchnic vasoconstriction and is the key mechanism responsible for increasing systemic vascular resistance and reducing heart rate. We report successful anesthetic management using low-dose terlipressin infusion in an elderly patient who had moderate aortic stenosis with atrial fibrillation during urgent deceased-donor liver transplantation.