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Dose-response of remifentanil for tracheal intubation in infants.

To compare the dose-response of remifentanil for tracheal intubation in infants and children, 32 healthy full-term infants and 32 children were anesthetized with 10 mug/kg glycopyrrolate and 4.0 mg/kg propofol and administered 1 of 4 doses of remifentanil (1.25, 1.50, 1.75, or 2.00 microg/kg) to facilitate tracheal intubation. We determined the effective doses of remifentanil in 50% (ED50) and 98% (ED98) of patients by using logistic regression analysis. We found that logistic regression curves were similar for infants and children (P = 0.38). ED50 and ED98 values for remifentanil were 1.70 +/- 0.1 microg/kg and 2.88 +/- 0.5 microg/kg, respectively. In a second double-blind study, 24 infants were anesthetized with propofol and randomized to receive either 3.0 microg/kg remifentanil or 2.0 mg/kg succinylcholine to facilitate tracheal intubation. The duration of apnea, tracheal intubating conditions and hemodynamic changes were determined. We found that the duration of apnea and intubating conditions after propofol/remifentanil were similar to those after propofol/succinylcholine. Bradycardia, hypotension, and chest wall rigidity did not occur. We conclude that the dose-response of remifentanil for tracheal intubation is similar in infants and children. Propofol/remifentanil provides clinically acceptable intubating conditions, stable hemodynamics, and a duration of apnea comparable to that with propofol/succinylcholine in infants.

Aging↗

Difficult intubation in thyroid surgery: myth or reality?

Thyroid surgery is considered to be a risk factor for difficult airway management. We prospectively studied 324 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery to investigate the incidence of difficult intubation as evaluated by the intubation difficulty scale as well as other specific predictive factors. The overall incidence of difficult intubation was 11.1% (95% CI: 7.6-14.5). Median intubation difficulty scale was 0 (25th-75th percentile: 0; 2.7). In three predefined groups (no echographic goiter, clinically palpable goiter, and impalpable goiter), difficult intubation occurred in 10% (95% CI: 4.8-17.4), 13% (95% CI: 6.5-18.4), and 11% (95% CI: 4.7-16.8) of patients, respectively, with no statistical difference among the groups. Specific predictive criteria (palpable goiter, endothoracic goiter, airway deformation, airway compression, or thyroid malignancy) were not associated with an increased rate of difficult intubation. Classical predictive criteria (mouth opening <35 mm, Mallampati III or IV, short neck, neck mobility <80 degrees , thyromental distance <65 mm, and a retrognathic mandible) were significantly reliable in the univariate analysis as risk factors for difficult intubation.

Female↗

Intravenous lidocaine after tracheal intubation mitigates bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Although prophylactic IV administration of lidocaine attenuates the response to a variety of inhalation challenges, its effect on airway resistance after endotracheal intubation in patients with asthma is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that IV lidocaine attenuates intubation-evoked bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. METHODS: Thirty patients with asthma (age 49.1 +/- 15.6 yr [mean +/- sd]) undergoing intubation after standardized anesthetic induction (etomidate 0.3 mg/kg, fentanyl 5 microg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, 50% nitrous oxide) were studied. Airway resistance was measured immediately after intubation and 5, 10, and 15 min later. Five minutes after intubation, either lidocaine (2 mg/kg IV for 5 min, followed by 3 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) for 10 min) or saline was administered. RESULTS: Airway resistance immediately after intubation averaged 23 +/- 12 cm H2O x s x L(-1). Airway resistance further increased (+38%) after administration of saline, but decreased (-26%, P < 0.004) to less than the initial values after lidocaine. CONCLUSIONS: IV lidocaine given after endotracheal intubation mitigates bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.

Adult↗

Fibre-optic intubation in oncological head and neck emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: Although fibre-optic bronchoscopic intubation is well recognized as the most valuable adjunct for elective management of the difficult airway its precise role in oncological head and neck emergencies has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of fibre-optic intubation in such emergencies. METHODS: This was a consecutive case series study by a single surgeon (the otolaryngologist) and anaesthetist team, taking place in a regional tertiary-referral head and neck surgical oncology centre. A series of 17 consecutive oncological head and neck emergency patients underwent fibre-optic intubation with a Portex endotracheal tube of inner diameter > or =7 mm, with the aid of a 6-mm (EB-1830T2) Pentax fibre-optic video bronchoscope. The study assessed occurrence of: avoidance of tracheostomy in bleeding emergencies; a well placed, uncomplicated tracheostomy in airway obstruction; and successful intubation. RESULTS: Two cases were decannulated completely. All cases were successfully intubated and a tracheostomy was avoided in all cases in which emergency intubation was required and the patient was bleeding. We conclude that fibre-optic bronchoscopic intubation is a viable option in head and neck oncological emergencies due to upper airway obstruction and tumour bleeding. Clinical and endoscopic judgement and operator experience are the key factors determining success.

Airway Obstruction↗

Orotracheal intubation in the newborn.

One hundred consecutive cases of orotracheal intubation in the premature and term newborn at the Hersehy Medical Center were studied retrospectively. The reason for intubation was for respiratory failure most commonly associated with hyaline membrane disease. The duration of intubation ranged from six hours to 63 days. Seventy-nine percent required intubation for more than 24 hours and 28 percent required intubation for more than one week. No tracheotomies were performed. There were 56 survivors, 50 of which were seen in follow-up examination at three, six or 18-month intervals. There were no cases of clinically evident upper airway damage or obstruction in this group. Post mortem examinations were carried out on 35 infants with tracheal necrosis found in one case. The authors feel that orotracheal intubation is superior to nasotracheal intubation and tracheotomy in this age group. This method of management should be carried out where there is adequate trained personnel and professional staff and equipment capable of proper orotracheal tube placement and management.

Follow-Up Studies↗

Endotracheal intubation by paramedics during in-hospital CPR.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine whether well-trained paramedics can perform emergent, successful, uncomplicated, endotracheal intubations during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records of in-patients undergoing emergent, endotracheal intubations during in-hospital, CPR over 8 months, with comparison of the performance of the paramedics against that of other hospital-based personnel. SETTING: A 437-bed Midwestern community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adult in-patients in general medical/surgical wards. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rapidity of response of paramedics and other medical personnel to a cardiorespiratory arrest (code 4) announcement, and reported difficulties, success rate, rapidity, and complications of endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: In the 47 cardiorespiratory arrests requiring intubation that we analyzed, the median response times (with values in parentheses representing interquartile range [IQR]) for paramedics, nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), anesthesiologists, and other physicians respectively, were 2.00 (4.25), 4.00 (2.0), 4.00 (15.0), and 7.00 (8.0) min, requiring a median of 1.0 attempt for all groups (mean values, 1.4, 1.125, 1.0, and 1.4 respectively) to place an endotracheal tube. The paramedics were successful in 13 of 15 instances. Median times (seconds) required for intubation by various groups (same order as response times, with IQR given in parentheses) were 60 (30), 150 (270), 45 (30), and 60 (30). Difficulties were reported by all groups, including patients' resistance to intubation, airway obstruction by extraneous material, and difficulty in visualizing the glottis. Reported complications (4%) were confined to groups other than the paramedics. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedics can successfully, and without undue difficulty or complications, place endotracheal tubes during in-hospital CPR. Appropriately trained paramedics may be incorporated into hospital-based CPR teams in two contexts: (1) to provide an acceptable, long-term solution to the scarcity of personnel highly skilled in endotracheal tube placement during in-hospital CPR, and (2) to fulfill the need for hospitals to have on-site, qualified professionals to perform emergent endotracheal intubation during CPR. In the latter situation, personnel skilled in airway management could supplement the paramedics on demand. Further investigation in this area could be fruitful in view of the small sample size covered in this study.

Adult↗

Reduction in tracheal lumen due to endotracheal intubation and its calculated clinical significance.

BACKGROUND: The flow in the human trachea is turbulent. Thus, the tracheal resistance (R) and the pressure gradient (DeltaP) required to maintain a given flow across the trachea is inversely related to its radius raised to the fifth power. If the caliber reduction ratio (X) after endotracheal intubation is calculated as X = radius of the endotracheal tube (rETT)/radius of the trachea (rT), then DeltaP and/or R will be increased by (1/X)(5). STUDY OBJECTIVES: To measure the actual ratio between rETT and rT following endotracheal intubation of pediatric patients with respiratory failure and to calculate the resulting increase in the tracheal R and DeltaP for a given inspiratory flow rate. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Pediatric ICU in a tertiary-care teaching children's medical center. PATIENT ENROLLMENT: Twenty consecutive pediatric patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 6.4 +/- 7.2 years) whose tracheas had been intubated for various causes of respiratory failure, and who had received a CT scan, were included in our study. All patients received an endotracheal tube the size of which was derived from the following formula: (age in years/4) + 4. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: rT and rETT were measured from CT scan sections at and around the level of the thoracic inlet, and the average values were used to calculate X. These values ranged from 0.33 to 0.65 (mean, 0. 55 +/- 0.8). The factor (1/X)(5) was calculated for each patient and then was multiplied by the known normal value for tracheal R for adolescents and adults (0.07 cm H(2)O/L/s) to obtain the value of R resulting from the artificial airway, (1/X)(5) x 0.07. Our results showed that tracheal R increased due to caliber reduction of the trachea after endotracheal intubation by 33.9 +/- 52.5-fold (range, 8.6- to 255.5-fold). In order to maintain an inspiratory flow of 1 L/s, the value of P for the intubated trachea would increase from 0. 07 cm H(2)O to a mean of 2.4 +/- 3.7 cm H(2)O (range, 0.6 to 18 cm H(2)O). In two of our patients, the rT/rETT ratios were < 0.5 (0.33 and 0.44, respectively); this translated into a more significant increase in the calculated DeltaPs, 18 and 4.2 cm H(2)O, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: : The common value of X due to endotracheal intubation is between 0.5 and 0.6, which in and of itself results in an increase in R across the intubated trachea up to 32-fold. The calculated increase in P as a result of this is between 2 and 3 cm H(2)O for adolescents or young adults. The addition of pressure support of at least 3 cm H(2)O during spontaneous ventilation via an endotracheal tube, which is common practice in pediatric critical care, should alleviate any respiratory distress emanating from the increased R. However, a value for X < 0.5, which was found in 10% of our patients (2 of 20 patients), results in a much higher calculated increase in the pressure gradient and, therefore, a higher level of pressure support is required to overcome this increase.

Adolescent↗

Emergency room intubations--complications and survival.

Forty-three consecutive patients requiring endotracheal intubation in an emergency room were studied prospectively to define the complications associated with intubation and the survival of these patients, and to evaluate emergency room policies. The indications for intubation were acute respiratory failure (ARF) in 22 patients and cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) in 21 patients. Thirty-eight complications occurred in 24 of the 43 patients. The department or level of training of the intubator did not affect the rate of complications. Furthermore, specific complications did not influence survival. Seventeen patients survived, all in the ARF group. Age less than 40 years and admission PaO2 greater than 40 mm Hg also were associated with increased survival. We conclude that the complication rate of emergency room intubations is high and would not appear to be lowered by limiting intubations to physicians from specific departments or with certain levels of training. The underlying diagnosis and condition on admission to the emergency room appear to be more important factors relating to survival than complications during intubation.

Acute Disease↗

Delivery room management of extremely low birth weight infants: spontaneous breathing or intubation?

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of two different delivery room (DR) policies on the rate of endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (EI/MV) and short term morbidity in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI; <1000 g, >/=24 weeks). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 123 inborn ELBWIs born in 1994 and in 1996. DR policies have changed. Until 1994, ELBWIs were intubated immediately after delivery when presenting the slightest signs of respiratory distress or asphyxia after initial resuscitation using a face mask and a handbag. During 1995, the guidelines for respiratory support were changed. In 1996, continuous (15 to 20 seconds), pressure controlled (20 to 25 cm H2O) inflation of the lungs using a nasal pharyngeal tube, followed by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 4 to 6 cm H2O) was applied to all ELBWIs immediately after delivery to establish a functional residual capacity and perhaps to avoid EI/MV. In addition to the changes in respiratory support, the prevention of conductive and evaporative heat loss was improved in 1996. For analysis of morbidity and mortality, infants were matched for gestational age and birth weight. RESULTS: The rate of EI/MV in the DR decreased from 84% in 1994 to 40% in 1996. In 1996, 25% of the ELBWIs were never intubated (7% in 1994), but 35% of the ELBWIs needed secondary EI/MV, primarily because of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Initial ventilator settings, ventilator days, mortality, and morbidity were not different between ELBWIs with EI/MV in the DR and infants with secondary EI/MV attributable to RDS in the intensive care unit. ELBWIs with no EI/MV that was caused by RDS had a lower morbidity (ie, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage >grade 2 and/or periventricular leukomalacia), mortality, and fewer hospital days (mean: 79 vs 105 days). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects like feeding intolerance or necrotizing enterocolitis was not increased in 1996. PaCO2 was significantly higher at admission to the neonatal unit in ELBWIs with CPAP in 1996 (54 +/- 15 mm Hg, 7.2 +/- 2.0 kPa) compared with infants with EI/MV in 1994 (38 +/- 11 mm Hg, 5.1 +/- 1. 5 kPa. A total of 26% of spontaneously breathing infants had hypercapnia (PaCO2 >/=60 mm Hg [8.0 kPa]), compared with 7% of infants with EI/MV in 1994. Within the first few hours of life, PaCO2 decreased to 46 (32 to 57) mm Hg (6.1 [4.3 to 7.6] kPa) in never intubated ELBWIs (n = 17), but increased to 70 (57 to 81) mm Hg (9.3 [7.6 to 10.8] kPa) in ELBWIs (n = 14) with RDS and secondary EI/MV (age 5.5 [1 to 44] hours). CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, the individualized intubation strategy in the DR restricted EI/MV to those ELBWIs who ultimately needed it, without increasing morbidity or mortality in infants with secondary EI/MV attributable to RDS. We speculate that an individualized intubation strategy of the ELBWI is superior to immediate intubation of all ELBWIs with slight signs of respiratory distress after birth.

Cohort Studies↗

[Endotracheal intubation in prehospital treatmen of children with craniocerebral injuries].

BACKGROUND: Intubation and airway control of injured children is of vital importance, but despite its advantages is associated with meny risks when is performed outside the hospital and by the untrained physicians. Aim of this study was to determine the importance for the survival of the children with craniocerebral injuries, and also for final outcome of treatment. METHODS: This study is a clinical, partly prospective, partly retrospective that includes 60 patients (two groups with 30 patients) with isolated craniocerebral injures, aged up to 17 years, and with GCS under 8, that did not require surgical treatment. The first group included patients that were endotracheal intubated, and the other group included patients that were not intubated. RESULTS: Theree was no statistically difference between groups regarding the sex, age and GCS. Regarding the endotracheal intubation there was a statistically significant difference, in the first group 86,7% of the patients were intubated during the prehospital treatment, while 16,7% of the patients from group II were intubated. A greater percentage of patients from group I underwent controlled (66,7%) or assisted (20%) mode of ventilation, and 13,3% of patients were on spontaneus breathing. CONCLUSION: Endotracheal intubation should be performed by an experienced physician with an adequate equipment.

Adolescent↗

Fibre-optic aided bougie (FAB) for simulated difficult tracheal intubation.

INTRODUCTION: Difficult intubation remains a key problem and the value of the gum elastic bougie as a first approach is well recognised. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fine fibre-optic endoscope (Rapiscope, Cook Critical Care) was used in 50 patients to verify placement of a custom-designed hollow plastic bougie prior to "rail-roading" a tracheal tube. Following induction and muscle relaxation, direct laryngoscopy was performed after two-minutes of assisted ventilation. The laryngoscope blade was lowered to simulate difficult intubation and the bougie passed behind the epiglottis. The position of the introducer bougie was then checked using the Rapiscope. Following correct bronchoscopic identification of the tracheobronchial anatomy, a tracheal tube was then "rail-roaded" following withdrawal of the scope. RESULTS: All patients were successfully intubated following identification of the bronchial tree by the Rapiscope: three on the second attempt and the rest on the first. Mean (SD, range) time to successful bronchoscopic confirmation of correct placement of the bougie was 38 s (9.1 s, 19 to 60 s). All bronchoscopic assisted intubation were subsequently confirmed by capnography after tracheal tube insertion. Mean (SD, range) time to successful intubation was 106 s (14 s, 52 to 132 s). CONCLUSION: The fibre-optic assisted bougie (FAB) offers a promising technique in patients who may be difficult to intubate but who can be ventilated. Further developments are required to achieve a faster intubation time but oxygenation may be achieved by jetting down the hollow bougie.

Adolescent↗

Combined effect of isoflurane and esmolol on sympathetic responses to tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: Influences of isoflurane and esmolol on endotracheal intubation induced sympathetic changes could be different. The effect of isoflurane and its combination with esmolol on catecholamine, blood pressure and pulse during endotracheal intubation were investigated. METHODS: Thirty patients were anesthetized with 3.0% isoflurane and tracheal intubation was carried out at the 5th min following the exposure to isoflurane. Half of them received intravenous saline and the other half received esmolol 2 mg/kg at the 4th min. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded and venous blood samples were taken for measurement of catecholamines every min. RESULTS: One min after administration of isoflurane, there was increase of heart rate (P < 0.05), while at the same time the epinephrine level fell (P < 0.05) and norepinephrine level remained unaltered. Both catecholamines raised after intubation (P < 0.05). The sympathetic responses to and the beta-antagonistic effect of esmolol on intubation were not significantly changed in the presence of isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane increased heart rate while paradoxically decreased epinephrine. Norepinephrine was more specifically related to endotracheal intubation, for its serum level had little change before the event. Based on catecholamine findings, the mechanism of isoflurane effect on the sympathetic system is probably different from that of endotracheal intubation.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Clinical comparison of either small doses of fentanyl or remifentanil for blunting cardiovascular changes induced by tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: To compare in a prospective, randomized study the effects on cardiovascular changes after tracheal intubation produced by small doses of either remifentanil or fentanyl. METHODS: With Ethical Committee approval, after intravenous midazolam premedication (0.05 mg.kg-1), 30 normotensive, ASA physical status I-II patients, without cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, and with a Mallampati score < 2, were randomly allocated to receive an intravenous bolus of either 3 micrograms.kg-1 fentanyl (n = 15) or 1 microgram.kg-1 remifentanil (n = 15) infused over 60 sec and followed by a 0.15 microgram.kg-1.min-1 continuous intravenous infusion. General anesthesia was then induced with propofol (2 mg.kg-1), followed by atracurium besilate (0.5 mg.kg-1) to facilitate tracheal intubation. Following intubation, the lungs were ventilated mechanically using a 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen mixture with a 1% inspired fraction of sevoflurane. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before anesthesia induction (baseline), one minute after induction of anesthesia, immediately after tracheal intubation and every minute for the first five minutes after intubation. RESULTS: Systolic arterial blood pressure values were significantly higher in the Fentanyl than in the Remifentanil group patients from 2 to 5 min after tracheal intubation (p < 0.01), while no differences were observed between the two groups in either diastolic arterial blood pressure or heart rate values. Four patients in the Remifentanil group (26%) but only one patient in the Fentanyl group (7%) showed systolic blood pressure values < 90 mmHg during the study period (p = not significant); however, the observed decreases in systolic arterial blood pressure values were transient and did not require treatment for any subject. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in healthy normotensive patients, the control of cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation obtained with a 1 microgram.kg-1 loading dose of remifentanil is more effective than that provided by a 3 micrograms.kg-1 bolus of fentanyl, with the advantage of no risks for postoperative respiratory depression.

Anesthesia, General↗

Second dose thiopentone attenuates the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of large (divided) thiopentone dosage on the peripheral haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Seventy-six (76) patient aged 18 to 67 years were sequentially assigned to either the second dose thiopentone group (n = 36) or the control group (n = 40). The first group had 4 mg.kg-1 thiopentone for induction of anaesthesia, then 1.5 mg.kg-1 suxamethonium chloride for muscle relaxation and a second dose of thiropentone (4 mg.kg-1) just before laryngoscopy and intubation. The control group had thiopentone 4 mg.kg-1 for induction of anaesthesia, suxamethonium 1.5 mg.kg-1 for muscle relaxation and then laryngoscopy and intubation. The heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were measured before induction of anaesthesia and after laryngoscopy and intubation. The difference in the values represented the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. The second dose thiopentone technique compared with the control group, significantly attenuated the post-intubation rise in HR (19.7 vs. 30.9), SAP (18.0 vs. 37.5) and RPP (4795.4 vs. 8440.0). The post intubation rise in DAP (33.9 vs. 42.5) and MAP (31.9 vs. 42.0) didn't show significant difference between the two groups.

Adolescent↗

[Fiberoptic nasal intubation in a patient with huge laryngeal cyst].

Huge laryngeal cyst is rare, but may cause difficulty or inability in tracheal intubation during induction of general anesthesia. A 69-year-old patient was scheduled for laryngomicroscopic cystectomy. In this patient, we examined two methods of oro-tracheal intubation either with rigid laryngoscopy or flexible fiberscopy using transnasal fiberoptic monitoring. Direct laryngoscopy failed to expose the epiglottis because of large cyst being fragile and easy to bleed. And even oral fiberscopy intubation was also difficult since a large mass hindered acquiring a suitable view. However, trans-nasal fiberscopy monitoring could guide the oro-tracheal fiber into the trachea for intubation. When an anesthesiologist can predict the abnormality of epiglottis, this combination might be recommended for difficult airway and intubation. Postoperative respiratory management under intubating state was necessary because of bleeding, airway edema, and deviation of the larynx after tumor resection. We reported anesthetic management of a patient with epiglottis gigantic cyst occupying the laryngopharyngeal airway. It is a rare tumor leading to difficulty of induction of anesthesia and necessitating postoperative intubated respiratory care.

Aged↗

Hemodynamic responses of thiopental and propofol in different-aged patients during endotracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: Thiopental and propofol are 2 popularly used anesthetic induction agents that have different pharmacological and pharmacokinetic actions. It is not clear how the hemodynamic responses differ in different-aged patients using these 2 drugs for anesthetic induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic responses to propofol and thiopental of different-aged patients during endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Sixty patients, 20 to 83 years old, were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 6 groups according to age and different inductive anesthetics. Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring was performed every minute before anesthesia, during anesthetic induction with 5 mg.kg-1 thiopental or 2 mg.kg-1 propofol intravenously, and after intubation. RESULTS: Propofol induction produced a smaller mean arterial pressure increase immediately after intubation than did thiopental induction in adult and elderly groups (101.0 +/- 18.5 and 104.0 +/- 21.1 mmHg in the propofol groups vs. 138.3 +/- 17.1 and 138.9 +/- 16.1 mmHg in the thiopental groups at 1 minute after intubation, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Differences in heart rate between propofol and thiopental groups were found in young and adult groups (85.1 +/- 9.2 and 81.7 +/- 10.9 in the propofol groups vs. 94.5 +/- 9.9 and 95.0 +/- 14.0 beats per minute in the thiopental groups at 1 minute after intubation, p = 0.041 and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: Propofol induction produced more stable hemodynamics after intubation in adult and elderly patients than did thiopental induction. Therefore, it is safer to use propofol for induction and intubation in adult and elderly patients.

Adult↗

Evaluation of learning effectiveness in endotracheal intubation by the use of a laryngoscope in combination with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.

BACKGROUND: Accidental esophageal intubation may cause lethal complications when undetected. We developed a laryngoscope, which utilizes a laryngoscope blade incorporating with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope for teaching new learners. We compared two teaching methods, i.e. the traditional method and the new method we contemplated, for teaching new interns. METHODS: We selected new interns as our study group. Everyone had six turns, four of which for the traditional method (T) and two of which for the new method (N), to perform the procedure under the guidance of a teaching supervisor. The interns were assigned randomly to one of three groups. Group 1 used the series of TTTTNN; group 2, TTNNTT; and group 3, NNTTTT. We used success or failure of intubation as the result of our evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed by chi-square test. RESULTS: 84 interns performed 504 endotracheal intubation trials during a period of 4 years. There was a 91.7% success rate with the new method and a 78.9% success rate with the traditional technique (P < 0.05). The group to which the new method was initially taught achieved the highest success rate of intubation and the greatest feeling of satisfaction according to a self-evaluation record. Of the failed intubations, 82.4% were due to performing the procedure in more than one minute, 15.3% due to esophageal intubation and the remaining 2.3% due to contact bleeding of teeth or oral trauma. CONCLUSIONS: By using the new teaching method, the supervisor could easily teach and assess the success of the new learners. Besides, esophageal intubation could be reduced to a minimum with subsequent increase of success rate.

Anesthesiology↗

[Tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants using propofol and varying doses of fentanyl].

This study was designed to evaluate airway and intubating conditions without muscle relaxants after administration of fentanyl and propofol in 55 patients aged 20-60 years for elective surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups to receive fentanyl 0, 2, 3, or 4 micrograms.kg-1, respectively. Three minutes after the administration of fentanyl, propofol (2 mg.kg-1) was given for induction of anesthesia. After the loss of consciousness, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, supplemented with topical anesthesia of lidocaine (2 mg.kg-1), were attempted. In control group, without administration of fentanyl, all patients were judged to provide poor intubating conditions. Increasing doses of fentanyl reduced the incidences of movement and persistent coughing on laryngoscopy and intubation in a dose-related manner. However, visualization of the vocal cord was significantly. (P < 0.05) more likely to be impossible in patients in 4 micrograms.kg-1 fentanyl group (40%) compared with patients in 2 micrograms.kg-1 fentanyl group (7%). There were no significant differences among groups receiving fentanyl with respect to vocal cord position. The vocal cords were closed in 26% of patients receiving fentanyl and propofol for intubation. Tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants is not recommended because of the potential unacceptable intubating conditions.

Adult↗