Rapid Sequence Induction And Intubation Research Articles

Impact of Pandemic Response on Training Experience of Anesthesiology Residents in an Academic Medical Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic substantially altered operations at hospitals that support graduate medical education. We examined the impact of the pandemic on an anesthesiology training program with respect to overall case volume, subspecialty exposure, procedural skill experience, and approaches to airway management. Methods Data for this single center, retrospective cohort study came from an Institutional Review Board approved repository for clinical data. Date ranges were divided into the following phases in 2020: Pre-Pandemic (PP), Early Pandemic (EP), Recovery 1 (R1), and Recovery 2 (R2). All periods were compared to the same period from 2019 for case volume, anesthesia provider type, trainee exposure to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) index case categories, airway technique, and patient variables. Results 15,087 cases were identified, with 5,598 (37.6%) in the PP phase, 1,570 (10.5%) in the EP phase, 1,451 (9.7%) in the R1 phase, and 6,269 (42.1%) in the R2 phase. There was a significant reduction in case volume during the EP phase compared to the corresponding period in 2019 (-55.3%; P < .001) that improved but did not return to baseline by the R2 phase (-17.6%; P < .001). ACGME required minimum cases were reduced during the EP phase compared to 2019 data for pediatric cases (age < 12 y, -72.1%; P < .001 and age < 3 y, -53.5%; P < .006) and cardiopulmonary bypass cases (52.3%, P < .003).Surgical subspecialty case volumes were significantly reduced in the EP phase except for transplant surgery. By the R2 phase, all subspecialty volumes had recovered except for plastic surgery (14.9 vs. 10.5 cases/week; P < .006) and surgical endoscopy (59.2 vs. 40 cases/week; P < .001). Use of video laryngoscopy (VL) and rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) also increased from the PP to the EP phase (24.6 vs. 79.6%; P < .001 and 10.3 vs. 52.3%; P < .001, respectively) and remained elevated into the R2 phase (35.2%; P < 0.001 and 23.1%; P < .001, respectively). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic produced significant changes in surgical case exposure for a relatively short period. The impact was short-lived, with sufficientremaining time tomeet the annual ACGME program minimum case requirements and procedural experiences. The longer-term impact may be a shift towards the increased use of VL and RSII, whichbecame more prevalent during the early phase of the pandemic.

Apneic oxygenation with low-flow oxygen cannula for rapid sequence induction and intubation in pediatric patients: a randomized-controlled trial.

Classical rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is used to reduce pulmonary aspiration, but it increases the risk of hypoxemia. Apneic oxygenation (ApOx) has been studied to prolong safe apneic time, and to decrease the incidence of hypoxemia in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ApOx via low-flow nasal cannula to reduce the incidence of hypoxemia in pediatric rapid sequence induction. This prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial included patients aged 0-7 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 to 3, who underwent elective or emergency surgery under general anesthesia with rapid sequence induction during February 2020 to March 2021. Participants were randomized to the ApOx group or the classical rapid sequence induction group. The ApOx group received oxygen flow via regular nasal cannula, as follows: 1 liter per minute (LPM) in age 0-1 month, 2 LPM in age 1-12 months, and 4 LPM in age 1-7 years. The classical group did not receive oxygen supplementation during intubation. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxemia, defined as oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤92%. Sixty-four participants were recruited. The incidence of hypoxemia in both groups was 8 of 32 participants (25%) (P=1.000). Among desaturated patients, the median time to desaturation was 29.5 and 35 seconds in the ApOx and classical groups, respectively (P=0.527). The median lowest SpO2 was 91% and 88.5% in the ApOx and classical groups, respectively (P=0.079). In non-desaturated patients, the median time to successful intubation was 40.5 and 35.5 seconds in the ApOx and classical groups, respectively (P=0.069). In this small sample study, ApOx using age-adjusted low-flow nasal cannula was ineffective for reducing the incidence of hypoxemia in pediatric RSII. Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20210802002.

Anaesthesiologic Techniques for Patients at Risk of Aspiration

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is the appropriate method of inducing general anaesthesia in patients who are at a risk of aspiration. The classical RSII is limited to a few treatment recommendations which are rarely based on evidence-based findings. New techniques (e.g., video laryngoscopy) as well as new means of diagnostics (e.g., sonography) require reevaluation of traditional techniques. In this article non-pharmacological treatment strategies of RSII are described. Furthermore, old and new methods to minimise the risk of aspiration are discussed. This includes gastric tube and gastric sonography as well as modalities for anaesthesia induction, e.g. patient positioning, face mask ventilation, relaxometry, cricoid and left-paratracheal pressure. In-hospital, RSII treatment standards must be familiar to all team members and treatment processes have to be well established and practiced regularly. The aim of this article is to present systematics that can be used as a decision-making basis for local operating procedures.

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS LAMBERT EATON OVERLAP SYNDROME AFTER ROCURONIUM ADMINISTRATION

SESSION TITLE: Tuesday Medical Student/Resident Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia Gravis Lambert Eaton Overlap Syndrome (MLOS) is a rare and debated entity with less than 50 cases reported to our knowledge. We present a case of MLOS that surfaced after receiving a neuromuscular blocking agent for rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII). CASE PRESENTATION: 72 year old female with a history of chronic right foot drop was admitted with acute cholecystitis. Rocuronium was used for RSII. Cholecystectomy had no intraoperative complications. Two days after the procedure the patient was found to be lethargic, dysphonic complaining of diffuse musculoskeletal weakness, dysphagia, and dyspnea at rest. Vital signs were stable. Neurological exam showed oculo-bulbar weakness with dry mucus membranes. Lower extremity strength was 1/5 and upper extremity strength was 3/5 bilaterally. Deep tendon reflexes were absent. Sensation was diffusely intact. MRI brain, spine and lumbar puncture were negative. CXR showed normal lung parenchyma with bilateral elevated hemidiaphragms. Vital capacity and maximal inspiratory pressures were significant for weak respiratory muscle function with MIP -35cmH20 and vital capacity of 1L. She was started on positive pressure non-invasive ventilation to reduce the work of breathing. Pending lab results returned positive for AchR antibodies. Furthermore, EMG studies showed chronic denervation and repetitive nerve stimulation revealed pronounced facilitation of 75%. Pyridostigmine and IVIG therapy was initiated. Voltage gated calcium channel antibodies sent after treatment returned negative. Pan-CT was negative for malignancy. After two weeks of therapy, her respiratory muscle function improved, speech and swallow returned to baseline, and muscle strength mildly improved. DISCUSSION: There is controversy as to whether Myasthenia Gravis and Lambert Eaton can occur at the same time. Our patient had impressive oculo-bulbar weakness, AchR antibodies, followed by a good therapeutic response to pyridostigmine to support the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis. Whereas, the extreme fatigue, autonomic symptoms, and proximal muscle weakness primarily in the lower extremities along with the pronounced facilitation on EMG supported the diagnosis of Lambert Eaton syndrome. Furthermore, competitive neuromuscular blocking agents, like Rocuronium, are known to have a prolonged effect in patients with neuromuscular junction diseases such as Lambert Eaton and Myasthenia Gravis. The administration of Rocuronium in this patient was the inciting factor that led to her underlying diagnosis of MLOS. Therefore, this is a unique case that demonstrates the co-existence of these two neuromuscular disorders. CONCLUSIONS: It may be beneficial to avoid neuromuscular blocking agents for RSII in patients with a history of underlying neurological or musculoskeletal disorder as literature has shown that these agents can exacerbate the disease process. Reference #1: Jia R, Chen J, Ge R, Zeng Q, Chen F, Zhao Z. Coexistence Of Myasthenia Gravis and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome in a small cell lung cancer patient. Medicine. 2018. 97(23): 1-5. Reference #2: Shin, O. Myasthenia Gravis Lambert Eaton Overlap Syndrome. Muscle Nerve. 2016. 53:20-26. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jagadish Akella, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Theresa Henson, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Santosh Kale, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sarah Malik, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Elyana Matayeva, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Asmat Ullah, source=Web Response

Assessment of effectiveness of cricoid pressure in preventing gastric insufflation during bag and mask ventilation: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) with application of “Cricoid pressure” and avoidance of “facemask ventilation” (FMV) is believed to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia. However, some patients may be at risk of developing hypoxemia and may benefit from FMV during RSII. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of “cricoid pressure” in preventing gastric insufflation during FMV using gastric ultrasonography.Materials and Methods:Eighty-four adult patients were randomized to receive cricoid pressure (CP) or no cricoid pressure (NCP), during FMV after induction of general anesthesia. Gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured with ultrasonography before and after FMV in supine and right lateral decubitus positions (LDP). Appearance of “comet tail” artifacts created by acoustic shadows of gas in the gastric antrum was noted.Results:The incidence of insufflation indicated by “comet tail” artifacts during FMV was lower in group CP (17 vs 71%; P < 0.001). The lowest Paw at which gastric insufflation occurred was higher in group CP (20 vs 14 cmH2O). The change in mean gastric antral CSA was significantly lower in group CP than in group NCP in supine (0.02 vs 0.36 cm2, P = 0.012) and right LDP (0.03 vs 0.67 cm2, P < 0.001).Conclusion:Cricoid pressure is effective in preventing gastric insufflation during FMV at Paw less than 20 cmH2O. Observation of comet tail artifacts in gastric antrum along with measurement of change in antral CSA on ultrasound examination is a feasible and reliable method to detect gastric insufflation.

RSII rapid-sequence induction of anaesthesia and intubation of the trachea

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is the preferred method of tracheal intubation in emergen­cy situations for patients presenting with a full stomach. The aim of RSII is to intubate the trachea within 60 seconds, without having to use bag-valve-mask ventilation to avoid air insufflation into the stomach. After preoxygenation and while cricoid pressure is applied, an induction dose of intravenous anaesthetic agent is administered and rapidly followed by a fast-acting muscle relaxant, and after 60 seconds tracheal intubation is performed. Preoxygention increases apnoea tolerance. This is particularly important for infants and young children, and in patients who are in critical condition, obese or pregnant. Cricoid pressure (the Sellick manouver) is recommended to prevent regurgitation of the gastric contents to the throat. Propofol or thiopental are routinely used for induction. Ketamine or etomidate may be used if propofol or thiopental administration is contraindicated. Succinylcholine or rocuronium are used to facilitate tracheal intubation. Poor jaw relaxation, patient resistance to a laryngoscope, closed or closing vocal cords, vigorous limb movements or sustained coughing after tube insertion are not clinically acceptable. Modified rapid sequence induction, used in patients at risk of rapid development of hypoxaemia, allows gentle positive pressure ventilation after administration of the induction agent and muscle relaxant, but before the tracheal intubation. If the attempt of intubation fails, sugammadex, 16 mg/kg body weight is recommended for the immediate reversal of the neuromuscular block produced by rocuronium, but not for other muscle relaxants.

Rapid sequence induction has no use in pediatric anesthesia.

(Classic) rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) has been considered fundamental to the provision of safe anesthesia. This technique consists of a combination of drugs and techniques and is intended to prevent pulmonary aspiration of gastric content with catastrophic outcomes to the patient. This review investigates aspects of this technique and highlights dangers and frauds if this technique is transferred directly into pediatric anesthesia practice. The author recommends a controlled anesthesia induction by trained pediatric anesthesiologist with suitable equipment for the children considered at risk of pulmonary aspiration. RSSI is a dangerous technique if adopted without modification into pediatric anesthesia and has in its 'classic' form no use.

Gastric Tubes and Airway Management in Patients at Risk of Aspiration

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) and awake tracheal intubation are commonly used anesthetic techniques in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric or esophageal contents. Some of these patients may have a gastric tube (GT) placed preoperatively. Currently, there are no guidelines regarding which patient should have a GT placed before anesthetic induction. Furthermore, clinicians are not in agreement as to whether to keep a GT in situ, or to partially or completely withdraw it before anesthetic induction. In this review we provide a historical perspective of the use of GTs during anesthetic induction in patients at risk of pulmonary aspiration. Before the introduction of cricoid pressure (CP) in 1961, various techniques were used including RSII combined with a head-up tilt. Sellick initially recommended the withdrawal of the GT before anesthetic induction. He hypothesized that a GT increases the risk of regurgitation and interferes with the compression of the upper esophagus during CP. He later modified his view and emphasized the safety of CP in the presence of a GT. Despite subsequent studies supporting the effectiveness of CP in occluding the esophagus around a GT, Sellick's early view has been perpetuated by investigators who recommend partial or complete withdrawal of the GT. On the basis of available information, we have formulated an algorithm for airway management in patients at risk of aspiration of gastric or esophageal contents. The approach in an individual patient depends on: the procedure; type and severity of the underlying pathology; state of consciousness; likelihood of difficult airway; whether or not the GT is in place; contraindications to the use of RSII or CP. The algorithm calls for the preanesthetic use of a large-bore GT to remove undigested food particles and awake intubation in patients with achalasia, and emptying the pouch by external pressure and avoidance of a GT in patients with Zenker diverticulum. It also stipulates that in patients with gastric distension without predictable airway difficulties, a clinical and imaging assessment will determine the need for a GT and in severe cases an attempt to insert a GT should be made. In the latter cases, the success of placement will indicate whether to use RSII or awake intubation. The GT should not be withdrawn and should be connected to suction during induction. Airway management and the use of GTs in the surgical correction of certain gastrointestinal anomalies in infants and children are discussed.

The “Other Tube” in the Airway

The “Other Tube” in the Airway

The incidence of oxygen desaturation during rapid sequence induction and intubation.

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is an emergency airway management technique for patients with a risk of pulmonary aspiration. It involves preoxygenation, administration of predetermined doses of induction and paralytic drugs, avoidance of mask ventilation, and laryngoscopy followed by tracheal intubation and keeping cricoid pressure applied till endotracheal tube cuff be inflated. Oxygen desaturation has been seen during RSII. We assessed the incidence of oxygen desaturation during RSII. An institution-based observational study was conducted from March 3 to May 4, 2014 in our hospital. All patients who were operated upon under general anesthesia with RSII during the study period were included. A checklist was prepared for data collection. A total of 153 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 91.6%. Appropriate drugs for RSII, equipments for RSII, equipments for difficult intubation, suction machine with a catheter, a monitor and an oxygen backup such as ambu bag were not prepared for 41 (26.8%), 50 (32.7%), 51 (33.3%), 38 (24.8%) and 25 (16.3%) patients respectively. Cricoid pressure was not applied at all for 17 (11.1%) patients and 53 (34.6%) patients were ventilated after induction of anesthesia but before intubation and endotracheal cuff inflation. A total of 55 (35.9%) patients desaturated during RSII (SPO2<95%). The minimum, maximum and mean oxygen desaturations were 26%, 94% and 70.9% respectively. The oxygen desaturation was in the range of <50%, 50%-64%, 65%-74%, 75%-84%, 85%-89 % and 90%-94% for 6 (3.9%), 7 (4.6%), 5 (3.3%), 10 (6.5%), 13 (8.5%) and 14 (9.2%) patients respectively. The incidence of oxygen desaturation during RSII was high in our hospital. Preoperative patient optimization and training about the techniques of RSII should be emphasized.

Techniques of rapid sequence induction and intubation at a university teaching hospital.

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is a medical procedure involving a prompt induction of general anesthesia by using cricoid pressure that prevents regurgitation of gastric contents. The factors affecting RSII are prophylaxis for aspiration, preoxygenation, drug and equipment preparation for RSII, ventilation after induction till intubation and patient condition. We sometimes saw difficulties with the practice of this technique in our hospital operation theatres. The aim of this study was to assess the techniques of rapid sequence induction and intubation. Hospital based observational study was conducted with a standardized checklist. All patients who were operated upon under general anesthesia during the study period were included. The techniques of RSII were observed during the induction of anesthesia by trained anesthetists. Altogether 140 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 95.2%. Prophylaxis was not given to 130 patients (92.2%), and appropriate drugs were not used for RSII in 73 patients (52.1%), equipments for difficult intubation in 21 (15%), suction machines with catheter not connected and turned on in 122 (87.1%), ventilation for patients after induction and before intubation in 41 (29.3%), cricoid pressure released before cuff inflation in 12 (12.1%), and difficult intubation in 8 (5.7%), respectively. RSII with cricoid pressure was applied appropriately in 94 (67.1%) patients, but cricoid pressure was not used in 46 (32.9%) patients. The techniques of rapid sequence induction and intubation was low. Training should be given for anesthetists about the techniques of RSII.

Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation With Rocuronium-Sugammadex Compared With Succinylcholine

Background An unanticipated difficult airway may arise during rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII). The aim of the trial was to assess how rapidly spontaneous ventilation could be re-established after RSII. We hypothesized that the time period from tracheal intubation to spontaneous ventilation would be shorter with rocuronium–sugammadex than with succinylcholine. Methods This randomized and patient- and observer-blinded trial was approved by the regional Ethics Committee and the Danish Medicines Agency. We included elective surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia for RSII using alfentanil (10 µg kg−1), propofol (2 mg kg−1), and either succinylcholine (1 mg kg−1) or rocuronium (1 mg kg−1). Sugammadex (16 mg kg−1) was given in the rocuronium group after tracheal intubation. The primary endpoint was the time from correct placement of the tracheal tube to spontaneous ventilation, defined as a respiratory rate of more than 8 bpm and a tidal volume of at least 3 ml kg−1 for 30 s. Results We included 61 patients; of whom, 55 were evaluated for the primary endpoint. The median time from tracheal intubation to spontaneous ventilation was 406 s with succinylcholine and 216 s with rocuronium–sugammadex (P = 0.002). The median time from tracheal intubation to 90% recovery of the first twitch in train-of-four (T1 90%) was 518 s with succinylcholine and 168 s with rocuronium–sugammadex (P Conclusions RSII with rocuronium followed by reversal with sugammadex allowed earlier re-establishment of spontaneous ventilation than with succinylcholine.

Rapid sequence induction and intubation with rocuronium–sugammadex compared with succinylcholine: a randomized trial

An unanticipated difficult airway may arise during rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII). The aim of the trial was to assess how rapidly spontaneous ventilation could be re-established after RSII. We hypothesized that the time period from tracheal intubation to spontaneous ventilation would be shorter with rocuronium-sugammadex than with succinylcholine. This randomized and patient- and observer-blinded trial was approved by the regional Ethics Committee and the Danish Medicines Agency. We included elective surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia for RSII using alfentanil (10 µg kg(-1)), propofol (2 mg kg(-1)), and either succinylcholine (1 mg kg(-1)) or rocuronium (1 mg kg(-1)). Sugammadex (16 mg kg(-1)) was given in the rocuronium group after tracheal intubation. The primary endpoint was the time from correct placement of the tracheal tube to spontaneous ventilation, defined as a respiratory rate of more than 8 bpm and a tidal volume of at least 3 ml kg(-1) for 30 s. We included 61 patients; of whom, 55 were evaluated for the primary endpoint. The median time from tracheal intubation to spontaneous ventilation was 406 s with succinylcholine and 216 s with rocuronium-sugammadex (P = 0.002). The median time from tracheal intubation to 90% recovery of the first twitch in train-of-four (T(1) 90%) was 518 s with succinylcholine and 168 s with rocuronium-sugammadex (P < 0.0001). Intubation conditions and time to tracheal intubation were not significantly different. RSII with rocuronium followed by reversal with sugammadex allowed earlier re-establishment of spontaneous ventilation than with succinylcholine.

Modified Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation

Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is a technique commonly used to resist regurgitation of gastric contents and protect the airway. A modification of this technique is implemented in certain clinical circumstances. However, there is currently no standard definition for a modified RSII. Therefore, we surveyed clinicians at academic centers across the United States to establish a working definition of a modified RSII as well as the clinical scenarios in which it is being used. A survey was created that queried the use and definition of modified RSII, and validated with test respondents. We then mailed the survey to all 131 anesthesia residency training programs across the United States. Logistic regression models were created to estimate the percentage of affirmative responses among respondents that performed modified RSII procedures and answered survey items in a consistent manner. Similar quantities were calculated by physician status (resident and attending). Four hundred ninety surveys were received from 58 institutions (44% institution response rate); 93% of respondents reported using a modified RSII, and of those 85% consistently completed the survey instrument. A majority of respondents (71%, CI: 63%-77%) reported administering oxygen before anesthesia induction, applying cricoid pressure, and attempting to ventilate the lungs via a facemask before securing the airway. Respondents noted that they would use a modified RSII procedure if the patient were either moderately or morbidly obese (each ∼59%, 53%-64%), had a history but no current symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (52%, 46%-57%), had a hiatal hernia (42%, 36%-48%) or were a trauma patient who had been NPO for at least 8 h (39%, 33%-45%). Similar RSII results were obtained when repeating the analysis on the subset that did not enforce the consistency requirements. Based on our survey we have established three defining features of a modified RSII: (1) oxygen administration before induction; (2) the use of cricoid pressure; and (3) an attempt to ventilate the patient's lungs before securing the airway. Although this definition seems intuitively obvious, no previous work has tested whether it is commonly accepted.

Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation

The changing opinion regarding some of the traditional components of rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) creates wide practice variations that impede attempts to establish a standard RSII protocol. There is controversy regarding the choice of induction drug, the dose, and the method of administration. Whereas some prefer the traditional rapid injection of a predetermined dose, others use the titration to loss of consciousness technique. The timing of neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD) administration is different in both techniques. Whereas the NMBD should immediately follow the induction drug in the traditional technique, it is only given after establishing loss of consciousness in the titration technique. The optimal dose of succinylcholine is controversial with advocates and opponents for both higher and lower doses than the currently recommended 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg dose. Defasciculation before succinylcholine was traditionally recommended in RSII but is currently controversial. Although the priming technique was advocated to accelerate onset of nondepolarizing NMBDs, its use has decreased because of potential complications and the introduction of rocuronium. Avoidance of manual ventilation before tracheal intubation was traditionally recommended to avoid gastric insufflation, but its use is currently acceptable and even recommended by some to avoid hypoxemia and to "test" the ability to mask ventilate. Cricoid pressure remains the most heated controversy; some believe in its effectiveness in preventing pulmonary aspiration, whereas others believe it should be abandoned because of the lack of scientific evidence of benefit and possible complications. There is still controversy regarding the best position and whether the head-up, head-down, or supine position is the safest during induction of anesthesia in full-stomach patients. These controversial components need to be discussed, studied, and resolved before establishing a standard RSII protocol.

Rapid-Sequence Intubation in Adults: Indications and Concerns

Rapid-sequence induction and intubation (RSI) is a technique that is designed to provide optimal tracheal intubating conditions and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. RSI has a higher success rate, fewer complications, and better outcome compared with orotracheal intubation without neuromuscul

Ran domize d, Double-Blin d Stu dy on Se datives an d Hemo dynamics During Rapi d-Sequence Intubation in the Emergency Department: The SHRED Stu dy

Study objective: To compare thiopental, fentanyl, and midazolam for rapid-sequence induction and intubation (RSI). Methods: Eighty-six patients undergoing RSI in the emergency department were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive either thiopental (5 mg/kg), fentanyl (5 μg/kg), or midazolam (.1 mg/kg) before paralysis was induced. Outcome measures were mortality, speed and ease of intubation, and hemodynamics. Results: Of the patients who received thiopental, 93% were in tubated within 2 minutes of paralysis ( P=.037), but systolic blood pressure fell an average of 38 mm Hg in this group ( P=.045). The midazolam group had a greater number of delayed intubations (31%) and an average heart rate increase of 17 beats/minute ( P=.008). Mortality (24% inhospital) was unaffected by drug assignment. In all three groups, patients with pulmonary edema had the greatest decrease in blood pressure during RSI, and patients exposed to multiple attempts at intubation manifested pronounced hypertension. Conclusion: Fentanyl provided the most neutral hemodynamic profile during RSI, although factors other than choice of sedative can play a more significant role in determining hemodynamic re sponse. Depth of sedation may influence the speed of RSI. [Sivilotti MLA, Ducharme J: Randomized, double-blind study on sedatives and hemodynamics during rapid-sequence intubation in the emergency department: The SHRED study. Ann Emerg Med March 1998;31;313-324.]