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Midazolam reduces the dose of propofol required for induction of anaesthesia and laryngeal mask airway insertion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Insertion of the laryngeal mask airway in the anaesthetized patient can sometimes be difficult and propofol has been advocated as the anaesthetic induction agent of choice because of its depressant effect on laryngeal reflexes compared with other intravenous anaesthetics. However, when used as the sole induction agent, relatively large doses of propofol are required to achieve successful laryngeal mask insertion. This has cost implications and may produce unwanted cardiorespiratory depression. METHODS: One hundred and forty-two patients were randomized to receive either: fentanyl 1 microg kg(-1) and lidocaine 1.5 mg kg(-1) (group 1), or fentanyl 1 microg kg(-1) and midazolam 0.04 mg kg(-1) (group 2), or fentanyl 1 microg kg(-1), midazolam 0.04 mg kg(-1) and lidocaine 1.5 mg kg(-1) (group 3) or fentanyl 1 microg kg(-1) (group 4) 2 min before induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was established with propofol infused at 33.3 mg min(-1). RESULTS: Patients who were given midazolam required significantly less propofol to achieve satisfactory laryngeal mask insertion, median propofol doses: group 1, 1.63 mg kg(-1); group 2, 1.16 mg kg(-1); group 3, 1.01 mg kg(-1); group 4, 1.9 mg kg(-1), P < 0.0001 (analysis of variance). Patients given midazolam reported less pain on injection with propofol 13% and 3% groups (2 and 3) compared with 37.5% and 77% (groups 1 and 4) P = 0.002 (chi(2)). CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam reduces the dose of propofol required for induction of anaesthesia and successful insertion of the laryngeal mask airway. There was no clinical benefit to be gained from the addition of lidocaine.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

A comparison of midazolam co-induction with propofol predosing for induction of anaesthesia.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 90 ASA 1 and 2 patients scheduled for elective surgery we compared the effect of pre-administering midazolam 2 mg or propofol 30 mg on the dose of propofol subsequently required to induce anaesthesia. Using loss of response to verbal command and tolerance to placement of a facemask as end-points, the dose of propofol required to induce anaesthesia was significantly smaller in the patients given propofol (1.87 mg.kg-1) or midazolam (1.71 mg.kg-1) when compared to the control group (2.38 mg.kg-1). Although the decrease in blood pressure following induction was no difference between the two study groups and the decrease was felt not to be of clinical significance in this group of patients. As propofol is presented ' ... for use in a single patient only' and the technique of predosing with propofol allowed induction of all patients with less than 200 mg (a single ampoule), we question on a cost basis whether midazolam co-induction is necessary to reduce propofol induction doses.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

The immunomodulatory effects of prolonged intravenous infusion of propofol versus midazolam in critically ill surgical patients.

Both propofol and midazolam are known to inhibit immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine production in critically ill surgical patients as early markers of immune response to prolonged infusion of propofol and midazolam. The study enrolled 40 elective patients who were to receive long-term sedation for more than 2 days. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two equally sized groups. Central venous blood samples for measurement of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were drawn prior to the start and after 48 h of infusion. After 48 h, propofol caused significant increases in IL-1beta (24%), IL-6 (23%) and TNF-alpha (4.8 times) levels, while midazolam caused significant decreases in IL-1beta (21%), IL-6 (21%) and TNF-alpha (19%). Both agents caused significant decreases in IL-8 levels (propofol: 30%, midazolam: 48%, p < 0.05). Propofol caused significant decreases in IL-2 levels (68%, p < 0.001) but increases in IFN-gamma (30%, p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant change with midazolam compared with the pre-infusion level. In conclusion, during 48 h of continuous infusion, propofol stimulated, while midazolam suppressed, the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and both caused suppression of IL-8 production. Propofol inhibited IL-2 production and stimulated IFN-gamma production, whereas midazolam failed to do so. Therefore, sedative agents may have clinical implications in high-risk and immunocompromised patients.

APACHE↗

Effects of postoperative sedation with propofol and midazolam on pancreatic function assessed by pancreatitis-associated protein.

This prospective randomised controlled study evaluated the effects of postoperative sedation with propofol and midazolam on pancreatic function. We studied 42 intensive care unit patients undergoing elective major surgery who were expected to be sedated postoperatively. Patients were randomly assigned to a propofol group (n = 21) or a midazolam group (n = 21). To assess pancreatic function, the following parameters were measured: pancreatitis-associated protein, amylase, lipase, cholesterol and triglyceride prior to start of sedation on the intensive care unit, 4 h after the sedation was started and at the first postoperative day. Patients in the propofol group received on average (SD) 1292 (430) mg propofol and were sedated for 9.03 (4.26) h. The midazolam group received 92 (36) mg midazolam and were sedated for 8.81 (4.68) h. Plasma cholesterol concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. Triglyceride plasma levels 4 h after the start of infusion were significantly higher in the propofol group (140 (54) mg.dl(-1)) than the midazolam-treated patients (81 (29) mg.dl(-1)), but were within normal limits. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding amylase, lipase and pancreatitis-associated protein plasma concentrations at any time. No markers of pancreatic dysfunction were outside the normal range. We conclude that postoperative sedation with propofol induced a significant increase of serum triglyceride levels but that pancreatic function is unchanged with standard doses of propofol.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

A 5-microm filter does not reduce propofol-induced pain.

We assessed the effectiveness of a 5-microm filter in reducing propofol-induced pain and determined whether any reduction is due to removal of contaminants or an alteration in flow characteristics. A total of 120 unpremedicated women (ASA 1-3, aged 18-70 yr) were randomly allocated to one of three equal-sized groups. In group A, propofol was drawn up and injected through an unfiltered plastic cannula. In group B, propofol was drawn up through a 5-microm filter needle and injected through an unfiltered plastic cannula. In group C, propofol was drawn up and injected through a 5-microm filter needle. Unmodified propofol from a 20-ml rubber topped vial at room temperature was used. A 22-g cannula was inserted into the largest visible vein on the dorsum of the non-dominant hand. Propofol was administered at 0.5 ml.s-1 and patients were asked about pain every 10 s until unresponsive, by a blinded observer. The pain score for the patient was the taken as the most severe pain documented. The frequency and severity of pain were similar among groups. We conclude that a 5-microm filter does not reduce pain associated with injection of propofol drawn from a vial with a rubber bung.

Adolescent↗

Propofol and thiopental attenuate the contractile response to vasoconstrictors in human and porcine coronary artery segments.

The effects of propofol and thiopental on three vasoconstrictors, acetylcholine, histamine, and serotonin were studied in isolated porcine and human coronary artery rings. Propofol and thiopental attenuated the contractile response to all mediators in a dose-dependent manner. This dilating effect was fairly weak using low concentrations (propofol 1 microg mL-1 and 10 microg mL-1, thiopental 5 microg mL-1 and 10 microg mL-1). In the presence of high concentrations (propofol 100 microg mL-1, thiopental 50 microg mL-1) marked relaxation was observed (propofol -32% up to -49%, P < 0,05; thiopental -23% up to -67%, P < 0.05). These dilating effects were seen both in intact and denuded rings, the differences were not significant. Human coronary artery segments were relaxed by thiopental (-22% to -76%) and propofol (-11% to -67%) to a similar extent. Our data indicate that propofol and thiopental relax isolated coronary segments in a dose-dependent manner, and that there is no evidence that these effects are dependent of endothelial factors.

Acetylcholine↗

Determination of the median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol during oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in children.

BACKGROUND: Propofol is commonly used to provide anaesthesia for children undergoing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD). Despite this, the plasma concentration-response relationships for propofol used in this setting have not been established. METHODS: In order to determine the EC50 of propofol during OGD, we studied 12 children aged 3-10 years. No premedication was given. Propofol was administered via a target-controlled infusion system using the STANPUMP software based on a paediatric pharmacokinetic model. The 'up-and-down' method described by Dixon was used to determine the EC50. Accordingly, the target plasma propofol concentration for each patient, beginning with the second subject, was determined by the response of the previous patient. A patient was considered a 'responder' if there was minimal movement and the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) remained < or = 120% of baseline during the procedure. Patients who moved excessively, i.e. requiring more than gentle restraint, or who manifest HR and BP >120% of baseline, were considered 'nonresponders'. RESULTS: The EC50 of propofol during OGD was 3.55 microg.ml(-1) in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma propofol concentration associated with adequate anaesthesia for OGD in 50% of unpremedicated children is 3.55 microg.ml(-1). This concentration is higher than that required for OGD in adult patients.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗

Death after re-exposure to propofol in a 3-year-old child: a case report.

This case report discusses the cause of death in a 3-year-old child who survived a high dose (20 mg x kg-1 x h-1) of propofol, infused over a period of 15 h, following which the patient developed a combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis, the oxygenation remaining normal. Bronchospasm was assumed to be the cause of hypercapnia. At this time the doctors in charge did not think of a possible side-effect of propofol. The administration of propofol was interrupted, the patient recovered within 13 h from the acidosis, woke up and required further sedation. A supposedly entirely safe infusion of 4 mg x kg-1 x h-1 propofol, as recommended in the literature for up to 48 h, was administered. After only 8 h intractable bradycardic dysrhythmias occurred. Although pharmacokinetic studies have pointed to a possible accumulation of propofol during continuous infusions, an interruption of an infusion for several hours has been considered sufficient for practically total clearance of the drug from the body. In this case re-exposure with a recommended dose of propofol was accompanied by bradycardia and dysrythmias that proved to be resistant to therapy and led to fatal cardiac insufficiency with a functioning artificial pacemaker in place. This case raises concerns about the safety of long-term infusions of propofol for sedation in children and possibly also in adults.

Acidosis↗

Trained registered nurses/endoscopy teams can administer propofol safely for endoscopy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Propofol has advantages as a sedative for endoscopic procedures. Its administration by anesthesia specialists is associated with high cost. Administration by nonanesthesiologists is controversial because of concerns about safety, particularly respiratory depression. METHODS: Three endoscopy units developed programs to train registered nurses supervised only by endoscopists in the administration of propofol for endoscopic procedures. The rate of adverse respiratory events was tracked from the inception of the programs. To estimate whether training nurses to give propofol on a widespread basis might be effective, we evaluated the individual safety records of all nurses and endoscopists involved in propofol delivery at the 3 centers. RESULTS: Among a total of 36,743 cases of nurse-administered propofol sedation (NAPS) at the 3 centers, there were no cases requiring endotracheal intubation or resulting in death, neurologic sequelae, or other permanent injury. The rate of respiratory events requiring assisted ventilation was not significantly different among the 3 centers and ranged from just <1 per 500 cases to just <1 per 1000 cases among the 3 centers. There was no individual nurse or physician for whom the rate of respiratory events requiring assisted ventilation differed from the overall rate of events at the respective centers. CONCLUSIONS: Trained nurses and endoscopists can administer propofol safely for endoscopic procedures. Nurse-administered propofol sedation is one potential solution to the high cost associated with anesthetist-delivered sedation for endoscopy.

Anesthesia↗

Sevoflurane-remifentanil versus propofol-remifentanil anesthesia at a similar bispectral level for off-pump coronary artery surgery: no evidence of reduced myocardial ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Sevoflurane could decrease myocardial ischemic injury in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. This study was designed to compare postoperative troponin I (cTnI) concentrations after sevoflurane-remifentanil versus propofol-remifentanil anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized single-blind clinical study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients. INTERVENTIONS: General anesthesia was conducted with sevoflurane-remifentanil (n = 9) or propofol-remifentanil (n = 9). Administration of sevoflurane and propofol was adjusted to maintain the bispectral index (BIS) between 40 and 60. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Groups were comparable regarding the patients' characteristics. The objective of BIS was maintained in both groups except during the period of coronary artery grafts (p < 0.001) when the BIS number in the propofol group fell below 40 and was significantly lower than in the sevoflurane group. Intraoperative hemodynamic variables were similar between groups. No patient required cardiopulmonary bypass. Need for inotropic and vasoactive support during the first graft was not necessary in the propofol group and occurred in 4 patients in the sevoflurane group (not significant). During the second graft, 2 patients in the propofol group and 3 in the sevoflurane group needed hemodynamic support. Postoperative hemodynamic variables were comparable between groups. Areas under the curve of postoperative increases in cTnI were 27.0 +/- 38.6 and 17.4 +/- 14.6 ng/mL/hour in the sevoflurane and propofol groups, respectively (not significant). CONCLUSION: This study does not support cardioprotective effects of sevoflurane. The particularly short total cumulative duration of ischemia and the relatively low administered end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations may explain this result.

Anesthesia, General↗

Detomidine-propofol anesthesia for abdominal surgery in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate propofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, after detomidine premedication, in horses undergoing abdominal surgery for creation of an experimental intestinal adhesion model. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Twelve horses (424 +/- 81 kg) from 1 to 20 years of age (5 females, 7 males). METHODS: Horses were premedicated with detomidine (0.015 mg/kg i.v.) 20 to 25 minutes before induction, and a propofol bolus (2 mg/kg i.v.) was administered for induction. Propofol infusion (0.2 mg/kg/min i.v.) was used to maintain anesthesia. The infusion rate was adjusted to maintain an acceptable anesthetic plane as determined by muscle relaxation, occular signs, response to surgery, and cardiopulmonary responses. Oxygen (15 L/min) was insufflated through an endotracheal tube as necessary to maintain the SpO2 greater than 90%. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures, heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory rate (RR), SpO2 (via pulse oximetry), and nasal temperature were recorded at 15 minute intervals, before premedication and after induction of anesthesia. Arterial blood gas samples were collected at the same times. Objective data are reported as mean (+/-SD); subjective data are reported as medians (range). RESULTS: Propofol (2.0 mg/kg i.v.) induced anesthesia (mean bolus time, 85 sec) within 24 sec (+/-22 sec) after the bolus was completed. Induction was good in 10 horses; 2 horses showed signs of excitement and these two inductions were not smooth. Propofol infusion (0.18 mg/kg/min +/- 0.04) was used to maintain anesthesia for 61 +/- 19 minutes with the horses in dorsal recumbency. Mean SAP, DAP, and MAP increased significantly over time from 131 to 148, 89 to 101, and 105 to 121 mm Hg, respectively. Mean HR varied over time from 43 to 45 beats/min, whereas mean RR increased significantly over anesthesia time from 4 to 6 breaths/min. Mean arterial pH decreased from a baseline of 7.41 +/- 0.07 to 7.30 +/- 0.05 at 15 minutes of anesthesia, then increased towards baseline values. Mean PaCO2 values increased during anesthesia, ranging from 47 to 61 mm Hg whereas PaO2 values decreased from baseline (97 +/- 20 mm Hg), ranging from 42 to 57 mm Hg. Muscle relaxation was good and no horses moved during surgery: Recovery was good in 9 horses and acceptable in 3; mean recovery time was 67 +/- 29 minutes with 2.4 +/- 2.4 attempts necessary for the horses to stand. CONCLUSIONS: Detomidine-propofol anesthesia in horses in dorsal recumbency was associated with little cardiovascular depression, but hypoxemia and respiratory depression occurred and some excitement was seen on induction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detomidine-propofol anesthesia is not recommended for surgical procedures in horses if dorsal recumbency is necessary and supplemental oxygen is not available (eg, field anesthesia).

Abdomen↗

Binding of propofol to human serum albumin.

The binding properties of the short-acting hypnotic agent propofol (CAS 2078-54-8) to human serum albumin were studied in vitro. Using centrifugation through ultrafiltration membranes the ratio of free and bound propofol as a function of the human serum albumin concentration was determined. In addition, a biomathematical approach was tested that allowed the determination of the number of binding sites from the measured binding profile. At a total propofol concentration of 8.81 +/- 0.25 microg/mL the concentration of the free fraction of propofol ranged from 338 +/- 11 ng/mL (mean +/- SE) at an albumin concentration of 0.5% to 15 +/- 2 ng/ mL at an albumin concentration of 8.0%. The corresponding percentage of propofol binding ranged from 96.07 +/- 0.14% to 99.83 +/- 0.02%. From this binding profile the binding site was estimated to be n(0) = 2. The measured influence of the albumin concentration on propofol binding might be of relevance in states of hypo- or hyperalbuminaemia which could result in an altered demand of propofol.

Algorithms↗

[Co-maintenance with propofol and midazolam: sympathoadrenergic reactions, hemodynamic effects, stress response, EEG and recovery].

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to investigate the influence of TIVA with propofol, midazolam and fentanyl (comaintenance, COM-group) or TIVA with propofol and fentanyl (control-group) on sympathoadrenergic and hemodynamic reactions, stress response, EEG and recovery. METHODS: After ethical approval, 2 x 20 patients of ASA-risk I - III over 55 years of age undergoing visceral surgery were investigated in a prospective randomized design. For induction of anesthesia, patients of the COM-group received 0,05 mg/kg BW midazolam und 1,0 mg/kg BW propofol, and anesthesia was maintained with 0,05 mg/kg BW/h midazolam (until 15 - 30 min before the end of the operation) together with propofol in decreasing doses of 10 - 5 - 2 mg/kg BW/h. In the control-group, 2,0 mg/kg BW propofol were used for induction followed by decreasing doses of 10 - 5 - 2 mg/kg BW/h as well. Premedication (0,1 mg/kg BW midazolam orally) and weight-dependent doses of fentanyl (2,5 microgram/kg BW for induction, 1,25 microgram/kg BW 2 min before skin incision, further repetition doses of 1,25 - 2,5 microgram/kg/BW as required) and vecuronium were equal in both groups. Beyond consumption of anesthetics and recovery, sympathoadrenergic, other endocrine and hemodynamic reactions and SEF 90 were investigated at 7 time points before induction and postoperative recovery. alpha </= 0,05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Biometric data (mean age > 70 years) and duration of anesthesia and operation were comparable in both groups. Consumption of midazolam was higher in the COM-Group (14,8 vs. 7,5 mg; p = 0,004), whereas doses of fentanyl and vecuronium were comparable in both collectives. Recovery was significantly (p = 0,004) delayed in the COM-group: observing of simple orders 12,6 vs. 5,8 min, orientation with respect to person 19,8 vs. 9,9 min, local orientation 23,1 vs. 11,3 min. Mean arterial pressure in the COM-group was throughout lower than in the control-group, whereas heart rate was higher during the course of operation. Endocrine stress parameters (adrenaline, noradrenaline, antidiuretic hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol) and spectral edge frequency (SEF 90; Dräger-pEEG) were comparable in group level and time course between both groups. Plasma-concentrations of midazolam were significantly higher in the COM-group. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients undergoing visceral surgery in TIVA and when compared with propofol alone, no benefit of coinduction and comaintenance with midazolam and propofol could be demonstrated with respect to hemodynamic reactions and sympathoadrenergic and other endocrine stress response as well. Recovery was significantly delayed after administration of midazolam.

Aged↗

[Pain on injection with propofol].

Injection-induced pain during induction of anaesthesia can result in patient's discomfort. This can prevent the use of propofol-anaesthesia in paediatric patients. Because of the high incidence of pain on injection with propofol numerous interventions have been tested to prevent this pain including the use of different drugs and physical measures as well as the combination of methods. The use of a single intervention is not as effective as the combination of different preventive measures. Thus the additional application of a venous tourniquet improves the pain reducing effect if drugs with peripheral mechanism of action are used for prevention of pain. Injection of lidocaine with a rubber tourniquet before the propofol injection is recommended as best effective method. In any case a propofol-MCT/LCT-Emulsion should be used for propofol-anaesthesia. Additionally a multimodal strategy that is adapted to the daily clinical practice seems to be convenient. That means, for general anaesthesia opioids or ketamine and for sedation a sub-anaesthetic dose of thiopental can be used for effective prevention of pain. If the prevention of nausea and emesis is intended, antiemetics that are appropriate for prevention of injection pain should be given. For paediatric anaesthesia the application of EMLA-cream seems to be suitable, because it alleviates the pain during venous cannulation at the same time. Although a painfree propofol injection is not possible with every prevention strategy there exist a wide range of effective interventions to prevent pain on injection with propofol. This article reviews methods that have been investigated and established to minimise the incidence of pain.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

[Comparison of a propofol-based anesthesia regimen using optimated-target-controlled-infusion (OTCI) and manually-controlled infusion (MCI) technique].

BACKGROUND: Propofol anesthesia based on target-controlled-infusion (TCI) has been shown to be superior to a manually-controlled-infusion (MCI) technique. A new optimal-target-controlled-infusion (OTCI) technique enables an individual plasma-targeted adjustment by including the concentration in the effect-compartment. This study compared practicability and costs of the new system with a conventional MCI-based propofol anesthesia regimen. METHODS: In a prospective study, 50 patients scheduled for elective surgery of nose or nasal sinuses were randomly enrolled to receive BIS-controlled anaesthesia (level: 40-55) using either OTCI (n = 25) or MCI (n = 25). Hemodynamics, extubation times and time of awaking, rate and quality of propofol adjustment, total drug requirements, costs, postanaesthetic care unit (PACU) stay, Aldrete and pain scores, and adverse effects (postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), shivering) were recorded. RESULTS: Demographics, hemodynamics, and perioperative data including extubation times were comparable for both study groups. Propofol consumption was similar within the first 60 min for both groups, thereafter, significantly less propofol in the OTCI group (5.03 mg/kg/h) than the MCI group (5.79 mg/kg/h) was used. Costs for propofol was significantly reduced with OTCI (0.2 vs. 0.23 Cent/anaesthesia minute/kg), the administration of other anaesthetics (fentanyl, remifentanil, cis-atracurium) did not differ between the groups. The number of infusion adjustments to BIS values were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The new OTCI-system is a safe and easily controllable technique. The obvious advantage of this infusion system appears to be a reduction in propofol consumption and direct drug costs for anaesthesia lasting longer than 60 min.

Adolescent↗

Sedation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a comparative study of propofol and midazolam.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: A benzodiazepine is generally used when sedation is required for endoscopy, whilst the newer agent propofol appears to have a more suitable pharmacokinetic profile. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation provided by midazolam and propofol under controlled conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety healthy outpatients requesting sedation at diagnostic gastroscopy were prospectively randomized to receive a bolus dose of either midazolam 0.06 mg/kg or propofol 0.6 mg/kg, followed by repeat doses of 50% of the initial dose as required. No topical anesthesia was used. The endoscopist and the patient replied to a questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients receiving propofol tolerated endoscopy better (p = 0.01); reached a deeper maximum level of sedation (p = 0.001); and recovered more rapidly (p = 0.001). There was a similar frequency of amnesia for the procedure (propofol 67% vs. midazolam 65%); of oxygen desaturation (four patients in each group, < 85%); and of perceived patient comfort (p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to midazolam, propofol facilitated gastroscopy to a greater extent. However, due to its narrower therapeutic range, propofol is the more demanding agent to administer, thus making it less universally applicable than midazolam.

Adolescent↗

[Etomidate versus propofol for anesthesia in ambulatory cardioversion].

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the two short-acting intravenous anaesthetic agents, etomidate in lipid emulsion and propofol, for anaesthesia during elective outpatient cardioversion. METHODS: After institutional approval and informed consent, 40 patients (ASA II/III) scheduled for cardioversion were studied. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction < 30% were excluded. The anti-arrhythmic medication was not discontinued, and no patient was given pharmacological premedication. Anaesthesia was induced either with etomidate (in lipid emulsion) 0.25 mg/kg or propofol 1.5 mg/kg. Both agents were administered over 30 seconds. Subsequent increments were given until the patients no longer followed verbal commands and the lid reflex was absent. Patients were allowed to breathe 40% oxygen via face mask. Artificial ventilation was performed if a patient became apnoeic for more than 20 seconds. The blood pressure was monitored continuously with the Finapres noninvasive blood pressure monitor, and the heart rate was recorded simultaneously. All data were collected electronically. The duration of anaesthesia was taken as the period from the start of induction until the opening of the eyes on command. For assessment of recovery from anaesthesia, patients were asked to perform a series of psychomotor tests. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in their demographic and haemodynamic baseline data. In both groups, a significant decrease in blood pressure occurred 120 seconds after anaesthesia induction, which was due to the performance of the cardioversion. Five minutes after induction, the blood pressure returned to baseline in the etomidate group, while it remained below baseline in the propofol group. Propofol caused a significant decrease in heart rate. Significantly more patients needed artificial ventilation after propofol administration because of apnoea. Involuntary muscle movements occurred only in patients receiving etomidate. The immediate emergence from anaesthesia was faster after propofol. However, 15 minutes after awakening there was no difference in psychomotor skills between the two groups. No residual psychomotor impairment was evident 60 minutes after anaesthesia in any patient. All patients were discharged four hours after the cardioversion. CONCLUSIONS: Because the recovery characteristics were similar in both groups, the occurrence of side effects may be a major factor when choosing between etomidate and propofol for outpatient cardioversion.

Adult↗

Risk stratification and safe administration of propofol by registered nurses supervised by the gastroenterologist: a prospective observational study of more than 2000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Conscious sedation is standard for GI endoscopy. Propofol increasingly is used as an alternative drug to avoid unwanted effects of the commonly used benzodiazepines. Although propofol in the hands of nonanesthesiologists is still controversial, this study characterized the safety profile of propofol administered by nurses under supervision of the gastroenterologist. METHODS: All patients undergoing any endoscopic procedure between September 2000 and December 2001 in the gastroenterology department of an academic tertiary medical center were eligible for inclusion in this prospective observational study. Sedation was voluntary. Demographic data, type of endoscopic procedure, and clinical features were recorded. A structured personal history led to a 5-class risk stratification based on the criteria of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. A total of 3475 procedures were performed in 2574 patients using propofol administered by registered nurses. RESULTS: No major complications occurred because of the use of propofol, but overall decreases in the mean values for oxygen saturation (-2%), arterial pressure (-18%), and pulse rate (-10%) were observed. Severe respiratory depression requiring intervention occurred in less than 0.3% of all patients given propofol. CONCLUSION: The administration of propofol by registered nurses, with careful monitoring under the supervision of the gastroenterologist, is safe for conscious sedation during GI endoscopic procedures.

Aged↗