Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Research Articles

Comparison of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and magnesium sulfate for the prevention of emergence agitation following sevoflurane-based anesthesia in pediatric cardiac catheterization.

Emergence agitation (EA) is non-purposeful agitation that occurs during the early stages of general anesthesia recovery. This randomized, double-blinded trial aimed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and magnesium sulfate on the severity of EA following sevoflurane-based anesthesia in pediatric cardiac catheterization. We examined the fixed doses and assessed the severity of agitation using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAED) score. One hundred children undergoing heart catheterization without local anesthetic in the skin were randomly divided into four groups. The Dexmedetomidine (D) Group (N.=25) received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg IV over 10 min, then 0.5 μg/kg/h. The Magnesium Sulfate (M) Group (N.=25) received 15 mg/k MgSo4 IV over 10 min and then 10 mg/kg/h. The Ketamine (K) Group (N.=25) received 1 mg/kg ketamine over 10 min, then 1 mg/kg/h. The Control (C) Group (N.=25) received 0.9% saline at the same rate as other groups. All medications were diluted in 50 mL 0.9% saline. The dexmedetomidine group exhibited a 0% incidence of EA, compared to 4% in the ketamine group, 12% in the MgSO4 group, and 40% in the control groups (P<0.001). Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the PAED Scale and pain scores compared to the other groups. The effects of ketamine and MgSO4 on PAED and pain scores were comparable, with both treatments demonstrating significantly lower scores than the control group. Dexmedetomidine exhibited higher efficacy than ketamine and magnesium sulfate in reducing the severity of postoperative EA. However, ketamine and magnesium sulfate demonstrated comparable efficacy, exceeding that of the control group.

Reduction of Preoperative Anxiety Using Virtual Reality vs Midazolam: A Randomized Controlled Trial

More than 50% of pediatric patients experience significant stress and anxiety prior to surgery.1 High anxiety can result in increased postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and delayed recovery.2 To reduce this preoperative anxiety, multiple therapeutic modalities have been developed, including the use of distraction, such as playing video games, watching movies, and listening to music. In severe cases of anxiety, anxiolytic and sedative medications like midazolam are used. However, given the acknowledged drawbacks of medications, including the risk of paradoxical reactions to the drug, alternatives to medication for reducing preoperative anxiety in patients may be useful. We aim to compare the use of virtual reality (VR) to midazolam in reducing preoperative anxiety in surgical patients and assess differences in induction compliance, emergence delirium, pain scores, and opioid use in VR vs. midazolam-treated patients. Methods This study was approved by the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board. First-time surgical patients (N = 36) between the ages of 5 and 11 years undergoing tonsillectomy or tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy procedures were randomly assigned to either receive midazolam (0.5 mg/kg up to 25 mg) or play an interactive underwater-themed game using VR. The Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) was administered by a single child life specialist preoperatively, and only patients who reached a threshold of &gt;40 on mYPAS scoring were enrolled (scale range: 23 - 100). Additional anxiety measurement was tested using the adult and child State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Midazolam or VR was administered prior to transport to the OR, and mYPAS was scored again at the time of separation from the family. The Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) was utilized for assessment at the time of anesthesia induction. The VR-treated patients continued use of the VR headset through mask induction. A standardized anesthesia induction protocol was used for all patients. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale was administered at emergence, postoperatively. Postoperative nurses scored pain and administered IV pain medication as needed. Group means and standard deviations were reported and compared with two-sided t tests. Results Interim results show the mYPAS anxiety scores dropped 20.1 ± 11.7 points following midazolam treatment (p&lt;0.001) and dropped 28.3 ± 7.3 points following VR treatment (p &lt; 0.001). There was a significant difference in mYPAS scores between groups following treatment (midazolam = 32.0 ± 4.9; VR = 25.4 ± 4.7; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between midazolam- and VR-treated groups in the Induction Compliance Checklist, PAED scale, peak postoperative pain scores, and medication use for pain control postoperatively. This study is currently ongoing. Conclusion VR appears to reduce preoperative anxiety similarly to midazolam in anxious first-time surgical pediatric patients. Limitations include patient population. Further studies should be conducted for greater generalizability.

The effect of deep versus awake removal of the laryngeal mask airway on the incidence of emergence delirium in paediatric tonsillectomy: A randomised controlled trial.

Emergence delirium, characterised by inconsolable crying, perceptual disturbances and thrashing, occurs in young children during the recovery phase from general anaesthesia. Our aim was to determine whether timing of laryngeal mask airway removal (deeply anaesthetised versus awake) influenced the incidence of emergence delirium in children after tonsillectomy. A single-centre, randomised controlled trial was conducted at Albury Wodonga Health, a regional hospital in Australia. Included patients were two to seven years old, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 1-2, undergoing elective tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy or grommet insertion) under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomised to have their laryngeal mask removed whilst deeply anaesthetised (in the operating theatre) or after awakening (in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU)). Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score was determined at 5 and 20 min after eye opening, and frequency of complications (cough, vomiting, excessive salivation, oxygen desaturation and laryngospasm) in the PACU were recorded. Sixty-two patients were randomised to deep laryngeal mask removal and 62 to awake. In the awake versus deep groups, 33 (53%) versus 40 (65%) participants had emergence delirium at 5 min (odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 1.29, P = 0.20). At 20 min, 18 (29%) vs. 19 (31%) participants had emergence delirium (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.00, P = 0.88). A greater incidence of most PACU complications was observed in the awake versus deep group; cough (24% vs. 8%), vomiting (8% vs. 0%), excessive salivation (23% vs. 8%) and oxygen desaturation (16% vs. 0%). We found no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of preventing emergence delirium. However, other PACU complications were more frequent with awake removal.

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine-Esketamine Combination Premedication versus Monotherapy for Reducing Emergence Delirium and Postoperative Behavioral Changes in Pediatric Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Emergence delirium and postoperative negative behavioral changes (PNBC) are common complications in pediatric anesthesia. This study evaluated whether intranasal premedication combining dexmedetomidine and esketamine more effectively reduces these complications compared to either drug alone in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy with sevoflurane anesthesia. This randomized, double-blind trial involved 198 children aged 2-5 years undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Participants received intranasal premedication with either dexmedetomidine (2μg/kg), esketamine (1 mg/kg), or their combination (dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg plus esketamine 0.5 mg/kg). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium, defined as a Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale score ≥ 10. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of PNBC, sedation depth, easiness of separation from parents, acceptance of the mask for induction, emergence time, postoperative pain score, parental satisfaction, and adverse events. The combination premedication significantly reduced emergence delirium incidence (9.4%) compared to esketamine alone (38.1%; relative risk [RR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.57, p < 0.001), but not compared to dexmedetomidine alone (17.2%; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.21-1.39, p = 0.193). PNBC incidence at day 7 was lower with the combination (28.1%) versus dexmedetomidine (48.4%; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.93, p = 0.018), but not significantly different from esketamine alone (20.6%; RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.74-2.58, p = 0.326). The combination also provided significantly superior sedation, improved ease of separation from parents, better acceptance of the mask for induction, shorter emergence time, and higher parental satisfaction than both monotherapies. In children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy with sevoflurane anesthesia, intranasal dexmedetomidine-esketamine premedication more effectively reduces emergence delirium compared to esketamine alone and PNBC compared to dexmedetomidine alone. This combination also improves sedation, shortens emergence times, and enhances parental satisfaction compared to monotherapy without significant adverse effects. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076709.

Effects of ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar interfascial plane block combined with general anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia alone on emergence agitation in children with cerebral palsy undergoing selective posterior rhizotomy: protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionSelective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) is a preferred procedure for relieving spastic children with cerebral palsy, but it is associated with severe pain and significant emergence agitation (EA). The thoracolumbar interfascial...

Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Video Distraction for the Management of Emergence Delirium in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeEmergence delirium (ED) presents challenges for both parents and health care providers in pediatric surgical settings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) distraction and video distraction combined with parental presence in reducing ED in preschool-aged children undergoing elective surgery. DesignA prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 90 children ages 4 to 7. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: VR distraction (group V), tablet video distraction with parental presence (group T), and standard care (group C). The primary endpoints were the incidence of ED and Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale scores, with secondary measures encompassing scores from the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. MethodsParticipants were assigned to one of the three intervention groups, and relevant scales were used to assess ED, parental separation anxiety, and postoperative pain. The immersive VR distraction and video distraction with parental presence interventions were compared against standard care. FindingsImmersive VR distraction significantly reduced the incidence of ED (6.67% in group V vs 40% in group T and 60% in group C), and the incidence of ED in group V was notably lower than in the other groups (P = .023 vs group T and P = .004 vs group C). Children in group V displayed significantly lower FLACC compared with the other groups as well (P < .05). However, no significant differences between the 3 groups were observed in perioperative anxiety as assessed by the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale scores (P = .27). ConclusionsThis study underscores the potential of immersive VR distraction as an effective intervention for mitigating ED in pediatric surgical patients. The findings suggest that incorporating VR technology during the perioperative period can positively impact postoperative outcomes. Further research in diverse surgical contexts is recommended to validate these findings and explore the broader applicability of VR distraction in pediatric health care settings.

Emergence delirium: an overview with an emphasis on the use of electroencephalography in its management.

Emergence delirium remains a clinically significant issue, which often leads to distress among pediatric patients, parents, and staff in the short term; and may also result in postoperative maladaptive behaviors persisting for weeks to months. Although several diagnostic tools are available, the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale is most often utilized. Many risk factors contributing to the likelihood of a pediatric patient developing emergence delirium have been identified; however, its accurate prediction remains challenging. Recently, intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring has been used to improve the prediction of emergence delirium. Similarly, it may also prevent emergence delirium if the anesthesiologist ensures that the at-risk patient rouses only after the onset of appropriate electroencephalogram patterns, thus indicating a change to natural sleep. Prediction of at-risk patients is crucial; preventing emergence delirium may begin early during patient preparation by using non-pharmacological methods (i.e., the ADVANCE program). Intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring can predict emergence delirium. This review also discusses a range of pharmacological treatment options which may assist the anesthesiologist in preventing emergence delirium among at-risk patients.

Comparison between nalbuphine versus dexmedetomidine for prevention of emergence agitation in pediatrics during sevoflurane anesthesia: prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background This study was designed to compare the effect of nalbuphine versus dexmedetomidine on the incidence of post-operative emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgical procedures during anesthesia with sevoflurane. Methods A prospective, controlled trial of 135 children aged 3–6 years scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgery was randomly assigned to one of the three equal groups receiving either nalbuphine 0.1 mg/kg IV (Group N), dexmedetomidine 0.5 mic/kg IV in (Group D) or a saline solution (Group C) at 10 min before the end of surgery in a double-blind manner. Post-operative EA was assessed with pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale. Results The incidence of EA was significantly low in children in Group N and Group D compared to placebo group (p = 0.011) with no significant difference between Group N and Group D. The number of patients receiving nalbuphine and post-operative nalbuphine consumption during PACU stay were significantly higher in Group C than in Groups N and D (p = 0.024 and 0.001 respectively) with no significant differences between Group N and Group D. There was no significant difference regarding pain between the three groups at 5, 10, 20 and 30 min postoperatively. No significant difference among groups regarding the time to Aldrete score. The overall incidence of vomiting in our study was similar in the three groups. Conclusion Nalbuphine 0.1 mg/kg was comparable to dexmedetomidine 0.5 mic/kg for decreasing the incidence and severity of EA in the PACU in sevoflurane-anesthetized children when administered intravenously 10 min before the end of surgery. Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05273671 (10/03/2022).

Comparison of the Efficacies of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine in Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries.

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication in paediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Dexmedetomidine and clonidine, both α2-adrenergic agonists, have been proposed as potential treatments for PONV due to their antiemetic properties. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of dexmedetomidine and clonidine in the prevention of PONV in paediatric patients following abdominal surgeries Methods Eighty patients, aged five to 12 years undergoing abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a single intravenous dose of 0.5 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine (Group D; n=40) or 1 µg/kg of clonidine (Group C; n = 40) 10 minutes before extubation. PONV was recorded for the next 24 hours. Results The baseline characteristics of patients were comparable. A higher proportion of patients in the clonidine group developed PONV as compared to the dexmedetomidine group (27.5% vs 20.0%, p=0.189). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of group C was higher than that of group D (1.38±1.55 vs 1.00±1.26) but was not statistically significant. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale score or emergence agitation (EA) score was higher in group C during recovery time. The mean arterial pressures and the heart rates were comparable in both groups. No significant side effects were reported. Conclusion Our study concludes that dexmedetomidine and clonidine effectively control PONV in paediatric abdominal surgery, with no significant difference in incidence or severity. Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced PAED scale scores during recovery, indicating better control of EA. The two treatments showed comparable mean arterial pressures and heart rates without significant side effects.

The effect of remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia versus sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia on emergence delirium in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: Remimazolam, a new ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine, is becoming increasingly applied in general anesthesia. This study is designed to investigate the effect of remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia and sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia on emergence delirium in pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Methods and analysis: This is a monocentric, prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. A total of 90 pediatric patients will be randomized to receive remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia (remimazolam group, n = 45) or sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia (sevoflurane group, n = 45). The primary outcome will be the incidence of emergence delirium, which will be evaluated using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The secondary outcomes include the extubation time, recovery time, behavior change using the post-hospitalization behavior questionnaire for ambulatory surgery (PHBQ-AS), and adverse events. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (2023-K-262-02). Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06214117.

Usefulness of a virtual reality educational program for reducing preoperative anxiety in children: A randomised, single-centre clinical trial.

Preoperative anxiety (PA) is common in children and has detrimental effects on surgical outcome. Strategies based on virtual reality (VR) have recently been introduced to address this problem. This study evaluated the usefulness of a virtual reality educational program (VREP) for reducing preoperative anxiety in elective low-complexity paediatric surgery. Randomised clinical trial. Single tertiary centre in Barcelona, Spain. Between January 2019 and June 2022. Children aged 3-13 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II, scheduled for elective low-complexity surgery were enrolled in the study. Children were randomised into a control group (received oral/written information about the anaesthetic-surgical process, and patients and their parents remained in a playroom waiting for the surgery) or VREP (viewed a VR-based educational video on the surgical process, 7-10 days prior to surgery) using the MATLAB application. PA using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) during separation from parents. In total, 241 children aged 3-12 years of age were studied (120 patients with VREP and 121 controls). Randomisation eliminated the differences between the groups, except for a greater male presence in the VREP group (83.3% vs. 71.1%; P = 0.023). The mYPAS yielded was lower in the VREP group (29.2% vs. 83.5%; P < 0.001). Sex did not influence VREP-mediated decrease in PA ( P < 0.001). In turn, VREP patients were more cooperative (Induction Compliance Checklist [ICC] score 0 points vs. 2 points; P < 0.001) during anaesthesia induction, presented less delirium (Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium [PAED] score 1 point vs. 3 points; P = 0.001) on leaving the recovery room, and experienced less pain upon arrival in the hospital ward (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale: 0-points vs. 1 point; P < 0.001). The VREP-based prevention strategy reduced preoperative anxiety in children undergoing elective low-complexity surgery. NCT03578393.

The effect of post-anesthetic administration of dexmedetomidine versus remifentanil on postoperative agitation of strabismus surgery in children: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative agitation is a common complication of sevoflurane anesthesia in children and might lead to self-harm and recovery disruption. This study aimed to compare the prophylactic effect of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on postoperative agitation after anesthesia with sevoflurane. Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 children aged 2 to 7 years with ASA class І, II, candidates for elective strabismus surgery, were randomly assigned to three groups using block randomization. Patients in the first group D received 0.5 µgr/kg dexmedetomidine, the second group R received 0.1 µgr/kg remifentanil, and another group C received normal saline at the end of anesthesia. Children’s agitation degree was measured by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scales and the 4-point agitation scale at the time of extubation, entering the recovery room, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after entrance. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The postoperative agitation and pain were significantly lower among children who received dexmedetomidine compared with those in remifentanil and the control group (p < .001). It was observed that the administration of dexmedetomidine at the end of anesthesia significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative agitation (p < .001). None of the patients in group D had a PAED score of over 12. Conclusion: Based on PAED and the 4-point scales, none of the cases in group D had experienced postoperative agitation; this made a significant statistical difference compared with groups C and R (p-value <. 001). Although both dexmedetomidine and remifentanil can prevent and attenuate postoperative agitation, dexmedetomidine administration seems significantly more effective.

Effect of Preoperative Clear Liquid Consumption on Postoperative Recovery in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Background/Objectives: Preoperative fasting guidelines traditionally aim to reduce pulmonary aspiration risk. However, concerns over the adverse effects of prolonged fasting have led to exploring alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative clear liquid intake on postoperative outcomes in children undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on children aged 3-6 years scheduled for elective MIRPE. Patients were randomized into either a routine overnight fasting group (NPO) or a clear liquid group. The incidence and severity of emergence delirium (ED) were assessed using Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) and Watcha scales at recovery room. Postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements were evaluated at intervals of 1-6 h, 6-12 h, and 12-24 h after surgery. Results: Fasting time was 178.6 ± 149.5 min and 608.9 ± 148.4 min in the clear liquid group compared and NPO group, respectively. The incidence of ED, measured by PAED and Watcha scales, was lower in the clear liquid group (PAED score ≥ 12: 55.6% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.037; Watcha score ≥ 3: 51.9% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.019). The highest PAED score recorded in the recovery room was significantly lower in the clear liquid group (11.4 ± 2.8 vs. 14.6 ± 2.8, p < 0.001). Clear liquid group showed significantly lower pain scores at 1-6, 6-12, and 12-24 h postoperatively. Additionally, clear liquid group had lower opioid requirement at 1-6 and 6-12 h postoperatively. Conclusions: Preoperative clear liquid consumption was associated with a lower incidence of ED in pediatric patients undergoing MIRPE.

Perioperative variables associated with emergence delirium in children following strabismus surgery: A five-year retrospective single-center cohort study

ABSTRACT Background Emergence Delirium (ED) is common among children. Several factors have been linked to ED related to patient characteristics, anesthesia, or the type of surgery. Strabismus surgery has been associated with the development of ED. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative variables associated with ED after strabismus surgery in children. Methodology A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent strabismus surgery from January 2018 to December 2022 was conducted. Data on factors leading to ED, including patient characteristics, preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, surgery-related characteristics anesthesia-related characteristics, were analyzed. Emergence delirium was assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Results Three-hundred-and-thirty-six children were included in the analysis. Fourteen percent of patients developed ED. Predictors of ED were age, multiple muscle surgery, binocular surgery. Midazolam premedication, intraoperative dexmedetomidine and fentanyl were associated with lower incidence of ED. On multivariable analysis, younger age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.05; p = 0.039), multiple muscle correction (OR = 1.91; p = 0.041), binocular surgery (OR = 1.85; p = 0.021) midazolam premedication (OR = 2.02; p = 0.007), intraoperative fentanyl administration (OR = 1.88; p = 0.031), and intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration (OR = 1.32; p < 0.001), were independent predictors of ED. Conclusion In this study, younger age, multiple muscle surgery, and binocular surgery were the main non-modifiable factors associated with ED in children following strabismus surgery. Administration of midazolam, dexmedetomidine, or fentanyl were associated with lower incidence of ED. Patients at higher risk for ED could be selected for prophylaxis against ED using these medications to prevent ED after strabismus correction surgery in children.

Effect of Remimazolam on Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery: A Double-blinded Randomized Trial.

Preventing emergence delirium is a clinical goal for pediatric anesthesia, yet there is no consensus on its prevention. This study investigated the hypothesis that a continuous infusion or a single bolus of remimazolam can reduce the incidence of emergence delirium in children. A total of 120 children aged 1 to 6 yr were randomly and equally allocated into three groups: group RC, which received a continuous infusion of remimazolam at 1 mg · kg-1 · h-1; group RB, which received a single bolus of remimazolam at 0.2 mg · kg-1 at the beginning of wound closure; and group C, which received a continuous infusion of saline at 1 ml · kg-1 · h-1 and a single bolus of saline at 0.2 ml · kg-1 at the beginning of sutures. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium assessed by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. Secondary outcomes included the number of rescue propofol administrations in the postanesthesia care unit, recovery time, and adverse events. Emergence delirium was observed in 14 of 40 (35%) patients in group C, 2 of 40 (5%) patients in group RC (vs. group C, P = 0.001; risk ratio, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.04 to 0.59), and 3 of 39 (7.7%) patients in group RB (vs. group C, P = 0.003; risk ratio, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.07 to 0.71). Ten of 40 patients in group C, 2 of 40 patients in group RC (vs. group C, P = 0.012; risk ratio, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.05 to 0.86), and 2 of 39 patients in group RB (vs. group C, P = 0.014; risk ratio, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.05 to 0.88) needed rescue propofol. No differences in the recovery time and adverse effects were detected. Both continuous infusion and single bolus administration of remimazolam can effectively reduce the occurrence of emergence delirium in children.

Does heart rate variability using the Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation index identify postsurgical pain levels and emergence delirium in toddlers? A prospective observational study.

Children recovering from anesthesia commonly experience early postoperative negative behaviour, caused by pain and emergence delirium. Differentiating the two is challenging in young children. Perioperative pain influences the heart rate variability-derived Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) index and may also affect emergence delirium. We sought to investigate whether the perioperative NIPE index can discriminate between mild, moderate, or severe pain levels and can detect emergence delirium. This prospective observational study enrolled children aged three years or younger undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy, tonsillectomy, or adenoidectomy. The NIPE index, the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between the postoperative NIPE index and postoperative pain severity. The secondary aims were to evaluate the association between the NIPE index and emergence delirium (PAED ≥ 10) and its delirium-specific (ED-I) and pain-specific (ED-II) components. Sixty-nine children were recruited. In the PACU, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) NIPE values in children experiencing moderate and severe pain were 50 (12) and 49 (14), respectively. These values were significantly lower than the mean (SD) value of 64 (13) observed in children with mild pain (mean difference moderate vs no/mild pain, -14; 95% confidence interval [CI], -17 to -11; P < 0.001, and mean difference severe vs no/mild pain, -17; 95% CI, -20 to -14; P < 0.001, respectively). The NIPE index was significantly lower in children experiencing pain-specific ED-II (mean [SD] NIPE instantaneous [NIPEi] for ED-II 49 [10] vs no ED-II 55 [13]; mean difference, -6; 95% CI, -11 to -2; P = 0.009). The NIPE index was unable to detect emergence delirium (mean [SD] NIPEi for ED, 54 [15] vs no ED, 51 [10]; mean difference, 3; 95% CI, -2 to 8; P = 0.23) or the delirium-specific component ED-I (mean [SD] NIPEi for ED-I, 55 [15] vs no ED-I, 51 [11]; mean difference, 4; 95% CI, 0 to 8; P = 0.06). The NIPE index can identify moderate and severe postoperative pain after adenotonsillectomy but not emergence delirium in children aged three years and younger. This discrimination can be valuable in the early postoperative phase when the differentiation between pain and emergence delirium is difficult. ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04909060 ); first submitted 26 May 2021.

The effect on perioperative anxiety and emergence delirium of the child or parent's preference for parental accompaniment during anesthesia induction in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery.

Pediatric emergence delirium (ED) occurs in the early postoperative period and is defined as a complex psychiatric disorder. Non-pharmacological methods of treatment, such as perioperative parental presence, have been the focus of many studies, but the impact on preventing ED of which parent accompanies the child during anesthesia induction has not been identified as yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the selection made by children undergoing adenotonsillectomy of which parent will accompany them during anesthesia induction has the effect of reducing postoperative delirium scores and incidence compared to selections made by the parents. The study included 80 children of both genders, aged 5-12 years, who underwent day-case surgery in the otorhinolaryngology clinic. The patients were separated randomly into two groups of 40. In Group 1, the children were asked to choose which of their parents would accompany them during general anesthesia induction, and in Group 2, the parents were asked to decide who would be the accompanying parent. Evaluation of postoperative delirium was made using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The anxiety level of the children was evaluated with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) both in the preoperative waiting area and during the anesthesia induction. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate the anxiety level of the parents. The mean PAED scores were similar in both groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.1 [-2.8 to 0.7]). The incidence of emergence delirium was also similar in both groups (risk ratio 0.9 [0.4 to 1.8]). The mean mYPAS scores during the induction of anesthesia of Group 1 was lower than that of Group 2 (mean difference [95% CI]: -8.4 [-15.2 to -1.6]). The mean mYPAS scores evaluated in the preoperative waiting area were found to be similar in the two groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -1.9 [-7.5 to 3.5]). The mean STAI anxiety scores of the parents were similar in both groups, with higher scores obtained by mothers compared to fathers, at all measurement times. The incidence or severity of ED did not decrease significantly even though lower anxiety scores were obtained during anesthesia induction in children who were allowed to make the decision of accompanying parent. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that postoperative delirium is a more complicated process that can be affected by many other variables rather than just the parent-child general interaction.

Comparison of bolus dose administration of propofol and dexmedetomidine for incidence of emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing surgery with general anesthesia: A randomized, double-blind trial

Abstract Background and Aims: Emergence delirium (ED) during the postanesthesia recovery phase presents significant challenges, especially among pediatric patients, with incidence rates spanning from 2% to 80%. This study sought to assess and compare the effectiveness of propofol and dexmedetomidine in addressing ED in pediatric patients undergoing sevoflurane anesthesia. The primary aim was to ascertain the prevalence of ED in both treatment cohorts, while secondary outcomes encompassed postoperative pain, hemodynamic responses, and the occurrence of complications. Material and Methods: Eighty children aged 2–6 years scheduled for short infraumbilical surgeries under general anesthesia were recruited in this trial. Propofol (1 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.3 μg/kg) was administered 10 min before completion of surgery. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale was employed to evaluate ED every 5 min following extubation, wherein a score exceeding 12 was indicative of ED. Postoperative sedation was assessed using the Ramsay Sedation Scale, while pain levels were determined through the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) score. Any potential complications were closely monitored. Results: The incidence of ED at extubation was 2.50% and 70% in group D and P, respectively, and the trend of lower ED incidence was consistently observed at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min postextubation. The relative risk ratio at extubation was 4.103 (95% confidence interval: 2.49–6.76), highlighting a significant reduction of 4.1 times in the risk of ED when dexmedetomidine was administered. The dexmedetomidine group exhibited a lower incidence of postoperative pain. Conclusion: In comparison to propofol, dexmedetomidine demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing ED and postoperative pain in pediatric patients during general anesthesia, when administered before completion of surgery.

The Median Effective Dose of Dexmedetomidine for the Inhibition of Emergence Delirium in Preschool Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: A Retrospective Dose-response Trial.

The incidence of emergence delirium (ED) is higher in preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for the inhibition of ED in preschool children by using probit regression analysis. A total of 140 anesthesia records were retrieved and divided into seven groups based on the infusion rate of DEX: .2, .25, .3, .35, .4, .45, and .5μg·kg-1·h-1. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) was used to assess ED in preschool children, and ED was defined as a PAEDS score ≥ 10. Probit regression analysis revealed that the ED50 and ED95 of DEX were .31μg·kg-1·h-1 (95% CI: .29-.35) and .48μg·kg-1·h-1 (95% CI: .44-.56), respectively. Probit(p) = -2.84 + 9.28 × ln (Dose), (χ2 = 1.925, P = .859). The PAEDS score was significantly increased in the ED group, and the rate of bradycardia was significantly decreased in the ED group compared with the without ED group (27.3% vs 54.1%, P = .02). DEX can effectively inhibit the ED in preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, however, bradycardia was the main complication.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine versus Propofol on Sevoflurane related Emergence Agitation in Paediatric Patients: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Postoperative Emergence Agitation (EA) is a troublesome side-effect of sevoflurane anaesthesia. Drugs like dexmedetomidine and propofol offer significant benefits in reducing the incidence and severity of sevoflurane-related postoperative EA in paediatric patients. Aim: To compare the efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine and propofol in reducing the incidence and severity of EA associated with sevoflurane anaesthesia in paediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted on 140 patients, belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) classes I and II, aged between 2-6 years, undergoing infraumbilical surgery lasting more than one hour. The patients were divided into two equal groups receiving dexmedetomidine 0.3 μg/kg (Group SD) and propofol 1 mg/kg (Group SP) at the start of skin closure, administered over 10 minutes. The incidence of EA in the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) was evaluated using the Watcha scale, and the severity of EA was assessed using the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. A Watcha score of 3 or 4 indicated the presence of EA, while a PAED score of ≥12 was deemed significant. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, with an Independent sample t-test for comparing normally distributed quantitative parameters, and the Chi-square test for comparing categorical outcomes between the study groups. Results: The mean age of the patients in group SD was 4.19±0.78 years, and in group SP was 4.03±0.71 years. Both study groups were found to be comparable in terms of patient characteristics such as age, sex, weight, and duration of surgery (p-value &gt;0.05). The incidence of postoperative EA, as measured by the Watcha scale, was higher in group SP compared to group SD upon arrival and up to 30 minutes in the PACU (p-value &lt;0.001). The severity of EA, assessed using the PAED score, was greater in group SP compared to group SD at 0, 5, 10,15 and 20 minutes in the PACU (p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 0.3 μg/kg was more effective than propofol 1 mg/kg in reducing the incidence and severity of EA associated with sevoflurane anaesthesia, with minimal haemodynamic effects and no clinically relevant severe adverse effects in both the groups. The significantly prolonged extubation times observed in the propofol group did not result in significantly longer stays in the PACU.