Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation before induction of anesthesia reduces sufentanil-induced cough: a randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Sufentanil-induced cough is a common side effect during the induction of general anesthesia. This study sought to determine the inhibitory effect of TEAS (transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation) on the incidence of sufentanil-induced cough. Methods: A total of 339 patients were recruited of which 300 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into five groups (n = 60): Patients did not receive TEAS in the control group (C group); patients received 2 Hz TEAS at LI4/PC6 (Hegu/Neiguan) in the 2A group; patients received 100 Hz TEAS at LI4/PC6 in the 100A group; patients received 2 Hz TEAS at ST36/SP6 (Zusanli/sanyinjiao) in the 2B group; and patients received 100 Hz TEAS at ST36/SP6 in the 100B group. With the exception of the C group, all groups received TEAS for 30 minutes before induction. 0.5 µg/kg of IV sufentanil was given over 2 seconds, and the occurrence of cough was observed and recorded for 1 minute. The severity of cough was graded as mild (1-2 coughs), moderate (3-5 coughs), and severe (> 5 coughs). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) before (T0) and 1 minute after (T1) sufentanil injection were recorded. Results: The incidence of sufentanil-induced cough in C group, 2A group, 2B group, 100A group and 100B group were 37%, 27%, 27%, 12% and 13%, respectively. Compared with the C group, the incidence of cough in the 100A group and the 100B group were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The MAP and HR between the five groups were not statistically different. Conclusion: The administration of 100 Hz TEAS for 30 minutes before sufentanil injection can effectively reduce the incidence of sufentanil-induced cough during the induction of general anesthesia.