Occurrence Of Respiratory Adverse Events Research Articles

Sedation for Colonoscopy Procedures Using Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol-Fentanyl Infusions: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Different anaesthetists for sedation or monitored anaesthesia care have been used for colonoscopy. The target of this research was the ability to perform colonoscopy under a painless degree of sedation and the prevalence of undesired proceedings. A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group D received dexmedetomidine and Group PF received propofol-fentanyl. Patients in both groups received the same infusion ratio. The minimum infusion amount of dexmetatomidine is (0.1 to 0.4 μg kg-1 h-1) in Group D, whereas fentanyl is administered at a rate of 0.01 to 0.05 μg kg-1 min-1 in the PF group during the approximately 45-min colonoscopy. Group D exhibited significantly lower modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scores at intraoperative time points T1-T12. Group D also exhibited significantly lower visual analog scale scores for pain at intraoperative time points T4 and T7. The mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in Group D at intraoperative times T6-T8 and T11-T12, as well as upon admission to the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) and 30 min after admission to the PACU. The results of the ANOVA tests revealed a significantly lower heart rate in Group D. The respiratory rate exhibited a notable decrease during time intervals T8 and T10 in the PF group. The administration of dexmetatomidine and propofol-fentanyl during colonoscopy was found to be safe. In addition, dexmetatomidine may present significant benefits in this context because of its lower occurrence of adverse respiratory events.

Effect of Tulobuterol Patch Versus Placebo on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Perioperative respiratory adverse events are common in children. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the transdermal β-2 agonist, tulobuterol, compared with that of placebo on the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. In this triple-blinded (patient, anesthesia provider, and outcome assessor) randomized controlled trial, 188 patients were randomly allocated to receive tulobuterol or a placebo. The tulobuterol groups received a tulobuterol patch (1 mg) masked with a bandage, whereas the placebo only received the bandage. The assigned bandage was applied to the patients 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any perioperative respiratory adverse events: oxygen desaturation <95%, airway obstruction, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, severe coughing, or stridor. The outcomes were evaluated using the average relative effect test, which estimates the effect of individual components of a composite outcome and then averages effects across components. A total of 88 and 94 patients who received tulobuterol and placebo, respectively, were analyzed. The incidence of any perioperative respiratory adverse event was lower with tulobuterol (n = 13/88; 14.7%) than that with the placebo (n = 40/94; 42.5%), with an estimated average relative risk (95% confidence interval) across components of 0.35 (0.20-0.60; P < .001). The symptoms of airway obstruction were lower with tulobuterol (n = 8/88; 9.0%) than that with the placebo (n = 32/94; 34.0%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.31 (0.17-0.56; P < .001). The occurrence of severe coughing was lower with tulobuterol (n = 1/88; 1.1%) than that with the placebo (n = 8/94; 8.5%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.15 (0.03-0.68; P = .014). In preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy, the preoperative application of a tulobuterol patch could decrease the occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of the tulobuterol patch in a broad spectrum of pediatric anesthesia.

Effect of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine or Midazolam for Premedication on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) are the most common complication during pediatric anesthesia, and they may be affected by the administration of preoperative sedatives. To investigate the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine or midazolam used for premedication on the occurrence of PRAEs. This single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among children aged 0 to 12 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy from October 2020 to June 2021 at Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China. Data analysis was performed from June to October 2021. Children were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the midazolam group received intranasal midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), and the dexmedetomidine group received intranasal dexmedetomidine (2.0 μg/kg) for premedication. The normal saline group received intranasal 0.9% saline for control. The primary outcome was the difference in the incidence of PRAEs among the 3 groups. The secondary outcomes were the frequency of the individual PRAEs, including the incidence of such events during the induction and recovery periods, postoperative emergence delirium, postoperative pain score, sedation success rate, and heart rate values. A total of 384 children (median [IQR] age, 7 [5-10] years; 227 boys [59.1%]) were enrolled and randomized; 373 data sets were available for intention-to-treat analysis (124 children in the midazolam group, 124 children in the dexmedetomidine group, and 125 children in the normal saline group). After the data were adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, body mass index, obstructive sleep apnea, upper respiratory tract infection, and passive smoking, children in the midazolam group were more likely to experience PRAEs than those in the normal saline group (70 of 124 children [56.5%] vs 51 of 125 children [40.8%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.18-3.35), whereas the dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower PRAEs incidence than the normal saline group (30 of 124 children [24.2%] vs 51 of 125 children [40.8%]; aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.78). Compared with the dexmedetomidine group, the midazolam group had a higher risk of PRAEs (aOR, 4.44; 95% CI, 2.54-7.76), but no other serious clinical adverse events were observed. In this randomized clinical trial, intranasal midazolam used for premedication was associated with increased incidence of PRAEs, whereas premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine was associated with reduced incidence of PRAEs. Where clinically appropriate, anesthesiologists should consider using intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Chinese Clinical Trial Register Identifier: ChiCTR2000038359.

Respiratory adverse events associated with deep propofol sedation during upper gastrointestinal procedures in children

Background/Aims: Upper airway stimulation with endoscopes and pH-impedance probes during deep propofol sedation confers unknown risk for associated respiratory adverse airway events. This report quantifies frequencies of such events and airway rescue interventions associated with Esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD) and multi-channel intraluminal acid detection impedance probe (MIIP) placements. Methods: This was a prospective observational study regarding occurrence of adverse respiratory events in 42 children undergoing propofol sedated EGDs and MIIP placements: Group 1. (n=21 EGDs), Group2 (n=21 EGDs before MIIP), Group 3. (n=21 during MIIP). Results: All procedures were successfully completed using deep propofol sedation. Respiratory events were transient and associated with no morbidity or mortality. Nearly half of each group experienced a respiratory event. “Partial airway obstruction” during 42 EGDs occurred in 28.6% and responded to simple airway interventions. “Complete airway obstruction” occurred during 1/42 EGDs and 2/21 MIIPs. Throughout MIIP placement, endoscopic visualization of the glottis was maintained and unnecessary stimulation of the glottis was avoided; nonetheless, complete airway obstruction occurred in 2/21. Advanced airway rescue maneuvers were not required in either instance. Conclusions: Respiratory adverse events commonly occurred during EGDs and MIIP placements. All events were successfully rescued by simple airway interventions.

Perioperative airway management of nasal endoscopic surgery

Objective:To evaluate the perioperative airway management process of nasal endoscopic surgery, and find clinical evidence for accelerating recovery and reducing respiratory complications. Methods:The perioperative airway management process for nasal endoscopic surgery was developed according to the patient's preoperative risk factors and preoperative pulmonary function. 512 patients who entered the airway management process from March 2019 to May 2020 were included. The improvement of pulmonary function and the occurrence of adverse respiratory events during the perioperative period were analyzed. Results:265 of 512 patients showed abnormal pulmonary function, including 203 cases with ventilatory dysfunction; 103 cases with positive bronchial provocation test; 59 cases with positive bronchodilation test. Patients with abnormal lung function were treated with aerosol inhalation for 3 to 5 days before surgery, the pulmonary function indicators were greatly improved（P<0.01）. After individualized airway management, patients were then treated with surgery, and there was no perioperative dyspnea event. Conclusion:Perioperative airway management can improve pulmonary function and reduce the risk of nasal endoscopic surgery.

Independent risk factors for adverse events associated with propofol-based pediatric sedation performed by anesthesiologists in the radiology suite: a prospective observational study.

This study aimed to identify the types and frequencies of adverse events, as well as the risk factors for respiratory complications related to pediatric sedation. This single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in a radiology suite at a tertiary university hospital for 2 years. Patients aged under 18 years, who underwent sedation solely by anesthesiologists for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, were eligible for inclusion. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the risk factors of adverse events, including respiratory complications, related to the propofol-based sedation. We further performed a sensitivity test with 1-to-5 propensity score matching analysis to assess the robustness of our findings. Among 2569 children, 3.9% experienced respiratory problems related to the sedation. After 1-to-5 propensity matching analysis, cardiac and neurologic comorbidities, crying before sedation, a history of snoring or upper respiratory infection, and prolonged duration of sedation were independently associated with the occurrence of adverse respiratory events.Conclusions: Our protocol for pediatric sedation demonstrates a high success rate and low likelihood of fatal complications, but proactive management prior to propofol-based sedation is critical to prevent adverse respiratory events in children. What is Known: • Propofol-based pediatric sedation is associated with adverse events necessarily even though performed by professional anesthesiologists solely. What is New: • Cardiac and neurologic comorbidities, crying before sedation, a history of snoring or upper respiratory infection, and prolonged duration of sedation were independently associated with the occurrence of respiratory adverse events. • Proactive management prior to sedation is critical to preventing adverse respiratory events for pediatrics.

Adverse respiratory events with sevoflurane compared with desflurane in ambulatory surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUNDAn increasing number of studies have concluded that the number of adverse events in the upper airway caused by desflurane does not differ significantly from the number of adverse events caused by sevoflurane. The advantages of desflurane in ambulatory surgery should be reassessed.OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to compare adverse respiratory events and recovery outcomes in patients undergoing desflurane or sevoflurane-based anaesthesia in ambulatory surgery.DESIGNA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).DATA SOURCESA systematic search for eligible RCTs in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect and Embase published up to June 2019.ELIGIBILITY CRITERIARCTs investigating the occurrence of adverse respiratory events, including airway irritation, stridor, coughing, respiratory distress and laryngospasm, emergence agitation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time to eye opening and time to discharge from the operation room after desflurane or sevoflurane-based anaesthesia.RESULTSThirteen trials were included and analysed. A total of 634 patients were included in the desflurane group, and 633 patients in the sevoflurane group. The occurrence of respiratory complications was significantly higher with desflurane-based anaesthesia than with sevoflurane-based anaesthesia (Total n = 673, 20.0 vs. 12.8%, relative risk (RR) 1.59 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.20)) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 20%). There was no difference in the occurrence of emergence agitation (Total n = 626, 29.1 vs. 27.2%, RR 1.05 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.30)) or the incidence of PONV between the desflurane and sevoflurane groups (Total n = 989, 19.0 vs. 21.0%, RR 0.95 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.26)). Time to eye opening was significantly faster with desflurane than that with sevoflurane (Total n = 1072, mean difference = −3.32 min (95% CI −4.02 to −2.61)) with a substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 72.6%). There was no significant difference in the time to discharge from the operation room between the two groups (Total n = 1056, mean difference = −0.45 min (95% CI −5.89 to 4.99)).CONCLUSIONDespite recent reports that there is no significant difference in adverse respiratory events between desflurane and sevoflurane, a pooled analysis revealed that desflurane resulted in a higher rate than sevoflurane. Therefore, the consequences of desflurane should not be neglected and its airway irritant properties should be taken into account.TRIAL REGISTRATIONPROSPERO (CRD42019147939).

Noninferior of desflurane to sevoflurane in the occurrence of adverse respiratory events during laryngeal mask airway anesthesia in pediatrics.

Noninferior of desflurane to sevoflurane in the occurrence of adverse respiratory events during laryngeal mask airway anesthesia in pediatrics.

Desflurane is not inferior to sevoflurane in the occurrence of adverse respiratory events during laryngeal mask airway anesthesia: a non-inferiority randomized double-blinded controlled study.

Compared to sevoflurane, desflurane is less favorable to most anesthesiologists for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) anesthesia because desflurane has a pungent odor. This non-inferiority study aimed to determine whether desflurane is not worse than sevoflurane in triggering airway irritations during general anesthesia using LMA. Patients scheduled for elective surgery under LMA anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either desflurane or sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. After intravenous fentanyl, lidocaine and propofol administration followed by LMA insertion, 0.5-1.0 MAC of the volatile anesthetic in 50% N2O was maintained throughout the surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of perioperative adverse respiratory events. Other outcomes included recovery profiles, hemodynamic changes and postoperative complications. One-hundred and ten patients per group completed the study without any serious complications, lost to follow-up, or protocol deviation. During awake LMA removal, patients in the desflurane group experienced lesser episodes of laryngospasm (risk difference, -7.3%; 95% CI, -12.7% to -1.9%; P=0.009) than those in the sevoflurane group. The emergence time and time to LMA removal were significantly shorter in the desflurane group. The quality of recovery indicated by an ability to self-transfer from bed to bed was significantly better after desflurane anesthesia. No difference between groups was found in a return of orientation and a readiness for post-anesthesia care unit discharge. Desflurane is non-inferior to sevoflurane in the occurrence of laryngospasm at emergence after LMA anesthesia. The superiority of desflurane compared to sevoflurane with regards to respiratory complications requires further investigation.

Salbutamol administered preoperatively to children undergoing tonsillectomy resulted in a significant reduction in rates of respiratory adverse events

Review of Von Ungern-Sternberg BS, Sommerfield D, Slevin L, Drake-Brockman TFE, Zhang G, Hall GL. Effect of albuterol premedication vs placebo on the occurrence of respiratory adverse events in children...

Effect of Albuterol Premedication vs Placebo on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies

Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric procedure for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and chronic tonsillitis. Up to half of children having this procedure experience a perioperative respiratory adverse event. To determine whether inhaled albuterol sulfate (salbutamol sulfate) premedication decreases the risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events in children undergoing anesthesia for tonsillectomy. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial (the Reducing Anesthetic Complications in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies [REACT] trial) was conducted at Perth Children's Hospital (formerly Princess Margaret Hospital for Children), the only tertiary pediatric hospital in Western Australia. Participants included 484 children aged 0 to 8 years who were undergoing anesthesia for tonsillectomy. The study was conducted between July 15, 2014, and May 18, 2017. Participants were randomized to receive either albuterol (2 actuations, 200 μg) or placebo before their surgery. Occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events (bronchospasm, laryngospasm, airway obstruction, desaturation, coughing, and stridor) until discharge from the postanesthesia care unit. Of 484 randomized children (median [range] age, 5.6 [1.6-8.9] years; 285 [58.9%] boys), 479 data sets were available for intention-to-treat analysis. Perioperative respiratory adverse events occurred in 67 of 241 children (27.8%) receiving albuterol and 114 of 238 children (47.9%) receiving placebo. After adjusting for age, type of airway device, and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in a binary logistic regression model, the likelihood of perioperative respiratory adverse events remained significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the albuterol group (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.2; P < .001). Significant differences were seen in children receiving placebo vs albuterol in laryngospasm (28 [11.8%] vs 12 [5.0%]; P = .009), coughing (79 [33.2%] vs 27 [11.2%]; P < .001), and oxygen desaturation (54 [22.7%] vs 36 [14.9%]; P = .03). Albuterol premedication administered before tonsillectomy under general anesthesia in young children resulted in a clinically significant reduction in rates of perioperative respiratory adverse events compared with the rates in children who received placebo. Premedication with albuterol should be considered for children undergoing tonsillectomy. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12614000739617.

Adverse Respiratory Events Increase Post-anesthesia Care Unit Stay in China: A 2-year Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.

Despite growing attention to patients' safety worldwide, no data were available on the impact of adverse respiratory events (AREs) on post-anesthesia care and post-operation care in China. This study evaluated the occurrence of AREs, the impact of AREs on length of stay (LOS) in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and postoperative time in hospital, and PACU cost and inpatient healthcare costs. A retrospective, matched-cohort study was conducted by prospectively collecting the data of 159 AREs in PACU during 2016-2017 in an university hospital in China. Records were reviewed by pre-trained, qualified nurses and/or anesthesiologists. The incidence and the impact of AREs were analyzed. The LOS in PACU and postoperative time in hospital and the costs in PACU and inpatient healthcare costs were also obtained. Results showed that there were 253 AREs involving 156 patients. Hypoxia (n=141, 55.73%) and respiratory depression (n=70, 27.67%) were the most common AREs. Measurement data including body mass index (BMI) (22.85±4.36 vs. 22.32±3.83), duration of procedure (138.47±77.33 min vs. 137.44±72.33 min), duration of anesthesia (176.35±82.66 min vs. 174.61±78.08 min), LOS (16.53±10.65 days vs. 16.57±9.56 days), inpatient healthcare costs ($9465.57±9416.33 vs. $8166.51±5762.01), and postoperative LOS (11.26±8.77 days vs. 11.19±8.30 days) showed no significant differences between ARE and matched groups (P>0.05). Duration (81.65±54.79 min vs. 38.89±26.09 min) and costs ($31.99±17.80 vs. $18.72±8.39) in PACU were significantly different in ARE group from those in matched group (P<0.001). Proportion of patients with prolonged stay in PACU was significantly higher in ARE group than in matched group (18.59% vs. 1.28%), with an odds ratio (after matching) of 17.58 (95% CI=4.11 to 75.10; P<0.001). The AREs that occurred during the immediate postoperative period in PACU increased the incidence rate of prolonged stay, delayed the PACU stay, and increased the costs in PACU, resulting in the need of higher levels of postoperative care than anticipated, but the postoperative LOS and inpatient healthcare costs were unchanged.

Identification of surgical patients at high risk of OSAS using the Berlin Questionnaire to detect potential high risk of adverse respiratory events in post anesthesia care unit.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) increases the risk of post-surgery complications. This study uses Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) to identify Chinese adult surgical patients who are at a high risk of OSAS and to determine if the BQ could be used to detect potential high risk of adverse respiratory events in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Results indicated that only 11.4% of the patients were considered at a high risk of OSAS. Age and body mass index are the key factors for the risk of OSAS prevalence in China and also gender specific. Furthermore, the incidence of adverse respiratory events in the PACU was higher in patients with high risk of OSAS than others (6.8% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001). They also stayed longer than others in the PACU (95 ± 28 min vs. 62 ± 19 min, P < 0.001). Age, high risk for OSAS, and smoking were independent risk factors for the occurrence of adverse respiratory events in the PACU. The BQ may be adopted as a screening tool for anesthesiologists in China to identify patients who are at high risk of OSAS and determine the potential risk of developing postoperative respiratory complications in the PACU.

Use of the Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) in Pediatric Patients

The Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) is a valid, reliable tool used to assess sedation when administering opioid medications to manage pain. The POSS is endorsed by The Joint Commission and the American Society for Pain Management Nursing to help prevent adverse opioid-related respiratory events. Although the POSS is used to assess sedation in pediatric patients at some hospitals, prior to this study, it was not formally evaluated in the pediatric population. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a convenience sample of pediatric patients admitted to a large regional medical center in southeastern North Carolina. The POSS was evaluated from three perspectives. First, the study was designed to compare the documentation of sedation when opioids were administered before (n=25) and after (n=27) implementation of the POSS to assess sedation. Second, the occurrence of respiratory adverse events before and after implementation of the POSS was compared. Third, the appropriateness of using the POSS in the pediatric population was evaluated. When the POSS was used, there was an increase in both the clarity and frequency of documentation when sedation was assessed. There was no incidence of opioid-related adverse respiratory events after implementation of the POSS. Finally, the POSS was found to be appropriate and safe to use in the pediatric population. Through a survey, the majority of registered nurses who cared for the research subjects evaluated the POSS as easy, appropriate and safe to use with pediatric patients. The nurses also noted using the POSS provided standardized communication among staff regarding patients' levels of sedation. No adverse effects, concerns, or objections were reported. Coincidentally, while it was not part of the study, frequency of documentation of assessment of pain also improved with implementation of the POSS.

Doentes obesos: complicações respiratórias na unidade pós-anestésica

IntroductionObesity has been associated with respiratory complications, and the majority of these complications occur in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and incidence of adverse respiratory events (AREs) in obese patients during their stay in the PACU MethodsWe conducted a prospective control study that included 27 obese patients matched with an equal number of patients with body mass index (BMI)<30 (non-obese control group); the 2 groups of patients were similar in respect to gender distribution, age, and type of surgery and had been admitted into the PACU after elective surgery (May 2011). The AREs were identified during PACU stay. Descriptive analysis of variables was performed, and the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test were used for comparisons. Associations with AREs were studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsThere was a higher frequency of STOP-BANG ≥3 (89% vs. 11%, P<.001) among obese patients and they were less frequently scheduled to undergo high-risk surgery (7% vs. 41%, P=.005) and major surgery (4% vs. 15%, P=.008). Obese patients had more frequent AREs in the PACU (33% vs. 7%, P<.018). Multivariate analysis identified obesity and residual neuromuscular blockade as independent risk factors for the occurrence of AREs. Stay in the PACU was longer for obese patients (120min vs. 84min, P<.01). ConclusionsObesity was considered an independent risk factor for AREs in the PACU. Obese patients stayed longer in the PACU, but they did not stay longer in the hospital.

Evaluation of propofol anesthesia in morbidly obese children and adolescents.

BackgroundPoor characterization of propofol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the morbidly obese (MO) pediatric population poses dosing challenges. This study was conducted to evaluate propofol total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in this population.MethodsAfter IRB approval, a prospective study was conducted in 20 MO children and adolescents undergoing laparoscopic surgery under clinically titrated propofol TIVA. Propofol doses/infusion rates, hemodynamic variables, times to induction and emergence, and postoperative occurrence of respiratory adverse events (RAE) were recorded, along with intraoperative blinded Bispectral Index/BIS and postoperative Ramsay sedation scores (RSS). Study subjects completed awareness questionnaires on postoperative days 1 and 3. Propofol concentrations were obtained at predetermined intra- and post-operative time points.ResultsStudy subjects ranged 9 – 18 years (age) and 97 - 99.9% (BMI for age percentiles). Average percentage variability of hemodynamic parameters from baseline was ≈ 20%. Patients had consistently below target BIS values (BIS < 40 for >90% of maintenance phase), delayed emergence (25.8 ± 22 minutes), increased somnolence (RSS ≥ 4) in the first 30 minutes of recovery from anesthesia and 30% incidence of postoperative RAE, the odds for which increased by 14% per unit increase in BMI (p ≤ 0.05). Mean propofol concentration was 6.2 mg/L during maintenance and 1.8 mg/L during emergence from anesthesia.ConclusionsOur findings indicate clinical overestimation of propofol requirements and highlight the challenges of clinically titrated propofol TIVA in MO adolescents. In this setting, it may be advantageous to titrate propofol to targeted BIS levels until more accurate weight-appropriate dosing regimens are developed, to minimize relative overdosing and its consequences.

Laryngeal Mask Airway Is Associated with an Increased Incidence of Adverse Respiratory Events in Children with Recent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been advocated as an alternative technique to tracheal intubation for airway management of children with recent upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). The authors determined the occurrence of adverse respiratory events and identified the associated risk factors to assess the safety of LMA in children. During a period of 5 months, parents of children scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with an LMA were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their child's medical history and potential symptoms of URI. In addition, all episodes of adverse respiratory events in the perioperative period (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, coughing, airway obstruction, and oxygen desaturation) as well as details of anesthesia management were recorded. Among the 831 children included in the study, 27% presented with a history of a recent URI within the last 2 weeks before anesthesia. The presence of a recent URI doubled the incidence of laryngospasm (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.0), coughing (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-4.3), and oxygen desaturation (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.8). This incidence was even higher in young children; in those undergoing ear, nose, and throat surgery; and when there were multiple attempts to insert the LMA. An LMA used in children with recent URIs was associated with a higher incidence of laryngospasm, cough, and oxygen desaturation compared with healthy children. However, the overall incidence of adverse respiratory events was low, suggesting that if anesthesiologists allow at least a 2-week interval after a URI, they can safely proceed with anesthesia using an LMA.

Repeated B lymphocyte depletion with rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis over 7 yrs

To assess safety and efficacy of repeated B-cell depletion with rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-seven patients with refractory RA entered into a programme of repeated B-lymphocyte depletion (up to 5 cycles, 89 cycles in total) with protocols based on the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, have been observed over periods of >5 yrs (n = 22) or 3-5 yrs (n = 14). Twenty two subjects have been followed up for >5 yrs. Average duration of benefit per cycle was 15 months (maximum 43 months), and time to re-treatment 20 months. Nineteen patients remain on the programme. Patients were withdrawn for lack of efficacy (n = 5), hypersensitivity infusion reaction (n = 1), brevity of response (n = 8), or occurrence of adverse respiratory events (n = 1). Sixteen major lower respiratory events occurred during the 180 patient-yrs of follow-up. Of these only one had low IgG. In patients receiving rituximab +/- cyclophosphamide (cy) carcinomata have developed as follows: breast (3, +cy), ovary (1, +cy), transitional cell (1, +cy), and renal cell (1, -cy). Falls in total immunoglobulin levels to below the normal range occurred in 12 patients for IgM (undetectable levels in three after repeated cycles), seven for IgG and one for IgA, not taking into account patients who started off with low immunoglobulin levels before the first cycle. Repeated B-lymphocyte depletion over a 5-yr period appears to be an acceptable and relatively well-tolerated therapy in RA with a relatively high rate of continuation. Long-term effects on immunoglobulin levels require surveillance.

Clinical review: Management of difficult airways

Difficulties or failure in airway management are still important factors in morbidity and mortality related to anesthesia and intensive care. A patent and secure airway is essential to manage anesthetized or critically ill patients. Oxygenation maintenance during tracheal intubation is the cornerstone of difficult airway management and is always emphasized in guidelines. The occurrence of respiratory adverse events has decreased in claims for injuries due to inadequate airway management mainly at induction of anesthesia. Nevertheless, claim reports emphasize that airway emergencies, tracheal extubation and/or recovery of anesthesia phases are still associated with death or brain damage, indicating that additional educational support and management strategies to improve patient safety are required. The present brief review analyses specific problems of airway management related to difficult tracheal intubation and to difficult mask ventilation prediction. The review will focus on basic airway management including preoxygenation, and on some oxygenation and tracheal intubation techniques that may be performed to solve a difficult airway.

Occurrence of pulmonary complications during methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to severe side-effects, especially pulmonary and haematological complications. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate, during a 6 yr period, the prevalence and severity of bronchopulmonary side-effects in RA patients treated with MTX. A cohort of 130 RA in-patients (106 women, 24 men) treated with MTX was studied for the occurrence of respiratory adverse events. Adverse bronchopulmonary side-effects were observed in 12 patients (two men, 10 women), with a mean disease duration of 15 yr. Only three patients had previously suffered from pulmonary disease. MTX treatment duration was between 1 month and 4.5 yr. The diagnosis was that of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HSP) in four cases, non-HSP pneumonitis in five patients with one case of Pneumocystis carinii infection, and bronchitis in three cases. The initial respiratory symptoms were not discriminatory between the different conditions. Risk factors were not identified for the occurrence of HSP. HSP always occurred in the first 5 months of treatment. Two patients with HSP died, and another patient with opportunistic infection underwent tracheostomy. HSP represents a potentially lethal side-effect in RA patients treated with MTX. Improved education of patients and physicians should certainly lead to a reduction of both the prevalence and severity of pulmonary side-effects during MTX therapy in RA.