Deep Sedation with Intravenous Anesthesia Is Associated with Outcome in Patients Undergoing Cryoablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.

Whether deep sedation with intravenous anesthesia will affect the recurrence after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is yet to be examined. Thus, in this study, we hypothesize that there is difference in terms of the recurrence between local anesthesia and deep sedation with intravenous anesthesia after an index ablation procedure.In total, 109 patients were enrolled and received CBA, of which 68 (58.2 years) patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with a local anesthesia (group 1) and 41 patients (63.2 years) underwent PV isolation with deep sedation using intravenous anesthesia (group 2).During the index procedure, isolation of all major PVs was achieved in 66 patients in group 1 and in 41 patients in group 2. There was no difference in non-PV triggers between the two groups. The periprocedural complication was found to be similar between the two groups (2.9% in group 1 and 4.9% in group 2). Further, 17 patients in group 1 and 4 patients in group 2 experienced recurrences after a follow-up of 19.3 months (P = 0.019). Repeat procedures revealed similar PV reconnection rates between the two groups. It has also been noted that the number of reconnected PV and incidence of atypical flutter seem to increase in group 1.Deep sedation with intravenous anesthesia during CBA for paroxysmal AF is safe and had a better long-term outcome than those with local anesthesia.

Drug dosing in the critically ill obese patient-a focus on sedation, analgesia, and delirium.

Practice guidelines provide clear evidence-based recommendations for the use of drug therapy to manage pain, agitation, and delirium associated with critical illness. Dosing recommendations however are often based on strategies used in patients with normal body habitus. Recommendations specific to critically ill patients with extreme obesity are lacking. Nonetheless, clinicians must craft dosing regimens for this population. This paper is intended to help clinicians design initial dosing regimens for medications commonly used in the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in critically ill patients with extreme obesity. A detailed literature search was conducted with an emphasis on obesity, pharmacokinetics, and dosing. Relevant manuscripts were reviewed and strategies for dosing are provided.

Impact of Anesthetic and Ventilation Strategies on Invasive Hemodynamic Measurements in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Care of pediatric heart transplant recipients relies upon serial invasive hemodynamic evaluation, generally performed under the artificial conditions created by anesthesia and supportive ventilation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic impacts of different anesthetic and ventilatory strategies. METHODS: We compared retrospectively the cardiac index, right- and left-sided filling pressures, and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances of all clinically well and rejection-free heart transplant recipients catheterized from 2005 through 2017. Effects of spontaneous versus positive pressure ventilation and of sedation versus general anesthesia were tested with generalized linear mixed models for repeated measures using robust sandwich estimators of the covariance matrices. Least squared means showed adjusted mean outcome values, controlled for appropriate confounders. RESULTS: 720 catheterizations from 101 recipients met inclusion criteria. Adjusted cardiac index was 3.14 L/min/m2 (95% CI 3.01-3.67) among spontaneously breathing and 2.71 L/min/m2 (95% CI 2.56-2.86) among ventilated recipients (p < 0.0001). With spontaneous breathing, left filling pressures were lower (9.9 vs 11.0 mmHg, p = 0.030) and systemic vascular resistances were higher (24.0 vs 20.5 Woods units, p < 0.0001). After isolating sedated from anesthetized spontaneously breathing patients, the observed differences in filling pressures and resistances emerged as a function of sedation versus general anesthesia rather than of spontaneous versus positive pressure ventilation. CONCLUSION: In pediatric heart transplant recipients, positive pressure ventilation reduces cardiac output but does not alter filling pressures or vascular resistances. Moderate sedation yields lower left filling pressures and higher systemic vascular resistances than does general anesthesia. Differences are quantitatively small.

The impact of sedation on quality metrics of colonoscopy: a single-center experience of 48,838 procedures.

PURPOSE: Investigation of the role of sedation during colonoscopy is meaningful as the advantages of colonoscopy performing with sedation are still controversial. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent colonoscopy in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The sedation rate, adenoma detection rate (ADR), polyp detection rate (PDR), cecal intubation rate (CIR), iatrogenic colonic perforation rate (ICP) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 48,838 colonoscopies (24,498 in males) dated from July 2007 to February 2017 were analyzed. The median age was 50 years (range 16-85 years). An overall sedation rate was 80.38%. The PDR was 26.77%, and was not statistically different between colonoscopy with or without sedation (26.67% vs 27.22, p = 0.474). ADR was 12.9% regardless of applying sedation or not (13.0% vs 12.44%, p = 0.337). The CIR was 87.42% in all examinations with an adjusted CIR of 90.34%, and was higher when performed with sedation than without sedation (88.92% vs 80.64%, p < 0.0001). Five cases (0.01%) of ICP were reported, all of which occurred in patients under sedation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sedation is associated with increased CIR, but ADR and PDR remain unchanged with or without sedation. However, perforation rate, albeit very low, is significantly higher in sedated patients.

Practices related to assessment of sedation, analgesia and delirium among critical care pediatricians in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the use of tools, protocols and comfort measures related to sedation/analgesia, and to screen the occurrence of delirium in pediatric intensive care units. METHODS: A survey with 14 questions was distributed by e-mail to Brazilian critical care pediatricians. Eight questions addressed physician and hospital demographics, and six inquired practices to assess sedation, analgesia, and delirium in pediatric intensive care units. RESULTS: Of 373 questionnaires sent, 61 were answered (16.3%). The majority of physicians were practicing in the Southeast region (57.2%). Of these, 46.5% worked at public hospitals, 28.6% of which under direct state administration. Of respondents, 57.1% used formal protocols for sedation and analgesia, and the Ramsay scale was the most frequently employed (52.5%). Delirium screening scores were not used by 48.2% of physicians. The Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium was the score most often used (23.2%). The majority (85.7%) of physicians did not practice daily sedation interruption, and only 23.2% used non-pharmacological measures for patient comfort frequently, with varied participation of parents in the process. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the heterogeneity of practices for assessment of sedation/analgesia and lack of detection of delirium among critical care pediatricians in Brazil.

Survey of analgesia and sedation in pediatric intensive care units in Japan.

BACKGROUND: High-quality evidence of analgesia and sedation management in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is lacking. METHODS: An online survey concerning the institutional management of pain, sedation, delirium, and withdrawal syndrome, as well as non-pharmacological interventions to reduce pain and / or to provide comfort, was conducted with the medical directors of 31 PICUs in Japan. The survey was conducted from September to November 2016. RESULTS: The response rate was 77% (24/31). Pain was routinely assessed in nine (38%) PICUs. Self-report pain scales were used in 14 (58%) PICUs. Observational pain scales for children who were unable to self-report were used in only one PICU. Physician-driven analgesia protocols were used in two (8%) PICUs. Although sedation scales for intubated patients were used in 15 (63%) PICUs, they were used for the goal-directed sedation management in nine (38%). Nurse-driven sedation protocols were used in two (8%) PICUs. Five (21%) PICUs used delirium assessment tools, and delirium screening was not routinely done in any PICU. Five (21%) PICUs regularly used withdrawal assessment tools for a high-risk group of patients with withdrawal syndrome. Non-pharmacological interventions for analgesia and comfort were frequently practiced for mechanically ventilated patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first survey conducted by physicians regarding pain and agitation management in PICUs in Japan, and the results revealed great diversity in practice. The implementation strategies to assess pain, delirium, and withdrawal syndrome, as well as to set goals regarding sedation level, are lacking. Protocols for analgesia and sedation management are uncommon.

Moderate and deep sedation for non-invasive paediatric procedures in tertiary maternity and children's hospitals in China: a questionnaire survey from China.

BACKGROUND: Moderate and deep sedation are well-established techniques in many developed countries, and several guidelines have been published. However, they have received attention in China only in recent years. The aim of this study is to investigate current paediatric sedation practices in tertiary children's hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals in China. METHODS: All tertiary children's hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals registered with the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China were invited to participate in an electronic survey, which included information on the sedation caseload, facility availability, staff structure, clinical skill requirements for sedation providers, fasting guidelines, patient-monitoring practices, and choice of sedatives. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of the 63 hospitals that completed the survey (92.1%) provided moderate and deep sedation. Dedicated sedation rooms and post-sedation recovery rooms were found in 14 (24.1%) and 19 (32.8%) hospitals, respectively. Sedation for non-invasive procedures was primarily performed by anaesthesiologists (69.0%); however, 75.9% of the sedation providers had not received paediatric basic or advanced life-support training. Children were asked to fast from clear liquids for at least 2 h in 44.8% of hospitals and up to 6 h in 5.2% of hospitals; they were asked to fast from solid food/milk for at least 4 h in 27.6% of hospitals and more than 8 h in 1.7% of hospitals. The most commonly used sedative in all groups was chloral hydrate. For rescue, propofol was the most widely used sedative, particularly for children older than 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate and deep sedation practices vary widely in tertiary children's hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals in China. Optimised practices should be established to improve the quality of moderate and deep sedation.

Delirium in the intensive care setting dependent on the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS): Inattention and visuo-spatial impairment as potential screening domains.

OBJECTIVE: In the intensive care setting, delirium is a common occurrence; however, the impact of the level of alertness has never been evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the delirium characteristics in the drowsy, as well as the alert and calm patient. METHOD: In this prospective cohort study, 225 intensive care patients with Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) scores of -1 - drowsy and 0 - alert and calm were evaluated with the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-1998 (DRS-R-98) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th edition text revision (DSM-IV-TR)-determined diagnosis of delirium. RESULTS: In total, 85 drowsy and 140 alert and calm patients were included. Crucial items for the correct identification of delirium were sleep-wake cycle disturbances, language abnormalities, thought process alterations, psychomotor retardation, disorientation, inattention, short- and long-term memory, as well as visuo-spatial impairment, and the temporal onset. Conversely, perceptual disturbances, delusions, affective lability, psychomotor agitation, or fluctuations were items, which identified delirium less correctly. Further, the severities of inattentiveness and visuo-spatial impairment were indicative of delirium in both alert- or calmness and drowsiness. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The impairment in the cognitive domain, psychomotor retardation, and sleep-wake cycle disturbances correctly identified delirium irrespective of the level alertness. Further, inattentiveness and - to a lesser degree - visuo-spatial impairment could represent a specific marker for delirium in the intensive care setting meriting further evaluation.

Mobilization practices for patients with burn injury in critical care.

PURPOSE: Patients with burn usually undergo prolonged hospitalization due partially to the treatment of wounds and scars. Although the benefits of early mobilization are well-known in critical care patients, there are a lack of studies reporting mobilization practices and functional status for patients with burn. MATERIALS: Clinical and physiotherapy data were daily collected, including ICU mobility scale (IMS) and reported barriers to mobilization therapy during a one-year period. At hospital discharge, the 6-min walking test (6MWT), Medical Research Council scale (MRCS) and handgrip strength test were applied to evaluate the patients' functionality. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients admitted, 66% were placed on mechanical ventilation (MV). Mobilization therapy was administered in 67.2% of physiotherapy sessions, with passive mobilization being the most prevalent (53.2%) followed by active in-bed exercises (13.6%). Reported barriers for mobilization included hemodynamic instability followed by limited time for assistance. At hospital discharge, the 6MWD was 270(136) meters. A positive correlation was found between handgrip evaluation and 6MWD and a negative correlation with hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Mobilization therapy of patients with burns in the ICU was characterized by a low mobility level during MV with a low functional status at hospital discharge.

Practices related to assessment of sedation, analgesia and delirium among critical care pediatricians in Brazil / Práticas relacionadas à avaliação de sedação, analgesia e delirium entre pediatras intensivistas no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To understand the use of tools, protocols and comfort measures related to sedation/analgesia, and to screen the occurrence of delirium in pediatric intensive care units. Methods A survey with 14 questions was distributed by e-mail to Brazilian critical care pediatricians. Eight questions addressed physician and hospital demographics, and six inquired practices to assess sedation, analgesia, and delirium in pediatric intensive care units. Results Of 373 questionnaires sent, 61 were answered (16.3%). The majority of physicians were practicing in the Southeast region (57.2%). Of these, 46.5% worked at public hospitals, 28.6% of which under direct state administration. Of respondents, 57.1% used formal protocols for sedation and analgesia, and the Ramsay scale was the most frequently employed (52.5%). Delirium screening scores were not used by 48.2% of physicians. The Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium was the score most often used (23.2%). The majority (85.7%) of physicians did not practice daily sedation interruption, and only 23.2% used non-pharmacological measures for patient comfort frequently, with varied participation of parents in the process. Conclusion This study highlights the heterogeneity of practices for assessment of sedation/analgesia and lack of detection of delirium among critical care pediatricians in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo Compreender o uso de ferramentas, protocolos e medidas de conforto relacionadas à sedação/analgesia, além de rastrear a presença de delirium em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas. Métodos Um inquérito com 14 questões foi distribuído, por meio de correio eletrônico, para médicos pediatras intensivistas brasileiros. Oito questões eram sobre os dados demográficos dos médicos e dos hospitais, e seis questões eram sobre as práticas na avaliação da sedação, analgesia e delirium em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Resultados Responderam ao inquérito 61 médicos dos 373 e-mails enviados (taxa de resposta de 16,3%). A maioria dos médicos era da Região Sudeste (57,2%) e 46,5% trabalhavam em hospitais públicos, sendo 28,6% sob administração direta do Estado. Dos respondedores, 57,1% utilizavam protocolos formais de sedação e analgesia, sendo a escala de Ramsay a mais utilizada (52,5%). Não utilizavam escores de rastreamento de delirium 48,2% dos médicos, e o Cornell Asssessment of Pediatric Delirium (23,2%) foi o mais utilizado. A maioria (85,7%) dos médicos não utilizou a prática da interrupção diária da sedação, e apenas 23,2% utilizavam medidas não farmacológicas para o conforto do paciente com frequência, com a participação heterogênea dos pais nesse processo. Conclusão Este estudo destaca a heterogeneidade nas práticas de avaliação da sedação/analgesia e insuficiência de rastreamento de delirium entre os intensivistas pediátricos brasileiros.

Sedation and paralytic use in open abdomen patients-results from the EAST SLEEP Survey.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an open abdomen after trauma or emergency surgery may benefit from reduced sedation and chemical paralysis. We studied the effect of attending surgeon experience on sedation depth and paralytic use, as well as enteral nutrition and time between laparotomies. METHODS: We performed an institutional review board-approved survey (Sedation Level after Emergent ExLap without Primary Fascial Closure) of the senior and active Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma membership using Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Inc, Provo, UT). We obtained 393/1,655 responses (23.7%). Spearman's rho was used for ordinal data, and multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for trauma center level and presence of trainees in the relationship between surgeon experience and use of deep sedation. RESULTS: Surgeon experience was associated with deep sedation (Richmond Agitation and Sedation Score ≤-3, P = .001) and chemical paralysis (P = .001). Surgeon experience was associated with less concern about delirium and more concern for evisceration as the reason for sedation depth (P = .001) and for paralysis (P = .001). Using multivariate logistic regression, surgeon experience was associated with deep sedation (odds ratio 3.6 [95% confidence interval 1.3, 10.4], P = .017 for ≥20 years; odds ratio 3.5 [95% confidence interval 1.1, 10.4], P = .025 for 15-20 years). Trauma center level was also significant (odds ratio 7.2 for Richmond Agitation and Sedation Score ≤-3 [95% confidence interval 1.7, 31.0], P = .008 for level III/IV versus level I/II). Increased surgeon experience was associated with delay of commencement of enteral feeds until return of bowel function (P = .013). Few respondents indicated willingness to extubate or mobilize open abdomen patients. Experienced surgeons were likely to wait for a defined time rather than for normalization of resuscitation markers to perform the first takeback laparotomy (P = .047) and waited longer between subsequent laparotomies (P = .004). CONCLUSION: There were significant variations in practice among respondents based on the length of time since their last residency or fellowship, including variations that deviate from current best practice for management of patients with an open abdomen.

The ED-SED Study: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study of Practice Patterns and Clinical Outcomes Associated With Emergency Department SEDation for Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize emergency department sedation practices in mechanically ventilated patients, and test the hypothesis that deep sedation in the emergency department is associated with worse outcomes. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective cohort study. SETTING: The emergency department and ICUs of 15 medical centers. PATIENTS: Mechanically ventilated adult emergency department patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All data involving sedation (medications, monitoring) were recorded. Deep sedation was defined as Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of -3 to -5 or Sedation-Agitation Scale of 2 or 1. A total of 324 patients were studied. Emergency department deep sedation was observed in 171 patients (52.8%), and was associated with a higher frequency of deep sedation in the ICU on day 1 (53.8% vs 20.3%; p < 0.001) and day 2 (33.3% vs 16.9%; p = 0.001), when compared to light sedation. Mean (SD) ventilator-free days were 18.1 (10.8) in the emergency department deep sedation group compared to 20.0 (9.8) in the light sedation group (mean difference, 1.9; 95% CI, -0.40 to 4.13). Similar results according to emergency department sedation depth existed for ICU-free days (mean difference, 1.6; 95% CI, -0.54 to 3.83) and hospital-free days (mean difference, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.26-4.32). Mortality was 21.1% in the deep sedation group and 17.0% in the light sedation group (between-group difference, 4.1%; odds ratio, 1.30; 0.74-2.28). The occurrence rate of acute brain dysfunction (delirium and coma) was 68.4% in the deep sedation group and 55.6% in the light sedation group (between-group difference, 12.8%; odds ratio, 1.73; 1.10-2.73). CONCLUSIONS: Early deep sedation in the emergency department is common, carries over into the ICU, and may be associated with worse outcomes. Sedation practice in the emergency department and its association with clinical outcomes is in need of further investigation.

The Rising Frequency of Continuous Deep Sedation in the Netherlands, a Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in 2005, 2010, and 2015.

OBJECTIVES: In the Netherlands, the use of continuous deep sedation at the end of life has sharply increased from 8.2% of all deaths in 2005 to 12.3% in 2010 to 18.3 % in 2015. We describe its clinical characteristics in 2015 and compare it with 2010 and 2005. DESIGN: Questionnaire study in random samples of death reported to a central death registry. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A nationwide study in the Netherlands among physicians attending reported deaths. METHODS: Continuous deep sedation characteristics (patient characteristics, drugs, duration, estimated shortening of life, and palliative consultation) from the Netherlands in 2015 were compared with continuous deep sedation characteristics of 2010 and 2005. RESULTS: The response rate was 78% (n = 7277) in 2015, 74% (n = 6263) in 2010, and 78% (n = 6860) in 2005. The increased frequency of continuous deep sedation was notable in all patient subgroups, but mainly occurred among deaths attended by general practitioners, particularly in patients older than 80 years and patients with cancer. In 2015, continuous deep sedation was performed in 93% of the patients through administration of benzodiazepines. In 3% of the patients, the sedation lasted more than 1 week. Furthermore, 60% of the physicians reported that they had no intention to hasten death, 38% reported that they have taken hastening of death into account, and 2% reported their intention was to hasten death. For 1 in 5 patients, a palliative care expert was consulted prior to the start of sedation. These characteristics were comparable between 2015 and 2010. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The increase in continuous deep sedation mainly occurred in deaths attended by general practitioners, especially in older patients and patients with cancer. As there are no major shifts in demographic and epidemiologic patterns of dying, future studies should investigate possible explanations for the increase predominantly in societal developments, such as increased attention to sedation in education and society, a broader interpretation of the concept of refractoriness, and an increased need of patients and physicians to control the dying process.

Protocol for a multicentre, prospective cohort study of practice patterns and clinical outcomes associated with emergency department sedation for mechanically ventilated patients: the ED-SED Study.

INTRODUCTION: In mechanically ventilated patients, sedation strategies are a major determinant of outcome. The emergency department (ED) is the earliest exposure to mechanical ventilation for hundreds of thousands of patients annually in the USA. The one retrospective study that exists regarding ED sedation for mechanically ventilated patients showed a strong association between deep sedation in the ED and worse clinical outcomes. This finding suggests that the ED may be an optimal location to study the impact of early sedation on outcome, yet a lack of prospective studies represents a knowledge gap in this arena. This protocol describes a prospective observational study aimed at further characterising ED sedation practices and assessing the relationship between ED sedation and clinical outcomes. An association between ED sedation and clinical outcomes across multiple sites would suggest the need for changes in the current sedation strategies used in the ED, and provide evidence for future interventional studies in this field. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, prospective cohort study testing the hypothesis that deep sedation in the ED is associated with worse clinical outcomes. A cohort of over 300 mechanically ventilated ED patients will be included. The primary outcome is ventilator-free days, and secondary outcomes include hospital mortality, incidence of acute brain dysfunction and lengths of stay. Multivariable linear regression will test the hypothesis that deep sedation in the ED is associated with a decrease in ventilator-free days. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval of the study by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at each participating site has been obtained prior to data collection on the first patient. This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.

Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in Australia: what is the same and what is different?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this article is to review the practice of sedation for adults having gastrointestinal endoscopy in Australia and to compare it with practice in other countries. RECENT FINDINGS: The practice of sedation for endoscopy in Australia is dominated by anaesthesiologists, who have a preference for deep propofol-based sedation. The recent literature includes a number of guidelines for sedation developed by multidisciplinary groups, anaesthesiologists and gastroenterologists in Australia and other countries. The appropriate health practitioner to provide deep sedation and general anaesthesia, to use propofol for sedation and to manage higher risk patients remains controversial. The estimated risks associated with endoscopy vary by provider, sedation technique and study design (prospective or retrospective, single- or multicentre). New airway management techniques are being investigated that may be useful in patients at high risk of hypoventilation and hypoxia. SUMMARY: Endoscopy sedation is safe but more high-quality, multicentre observer-blinded randomized controlled trials are required.

Apnea in Preterm and Term Infants After Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the incidence of apnea in preterm and term infants after deep sedation (DS) compared with general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on infants who underwent elective DS or GA from January 2008 to December 2013, were <60 weeks postmenstrual age if preterm or <50 weeks postmenstrual age if term, and were monitored for apnea as inpatients after DS or GA. Gestational age, postmenstrual age, chronologic age, anesthetic and sedative medications, procedure indication, and postsedation events were collected. RESULTS: There were 61 DS encounters (24 preterm and 37 term) and 175 GA encounters (120 preterm and 55 term) that met inclusion criteria. No recorded apneic events in either preterm or term infants were recorded after DS. After GA, 1.7% of infants had apneic events (2.5% preterm and 0 term; P = .57 versus DS). All events occurred within 2 hours of monitoring in recovery. CONCLUSIONS: None of the infants had apnea after DS. Rates from the literature would suggest that 2 to 6 of the preterm DS subjects should have experienced postsedation apnea. Sampled GA subjects had a rate of 2.5% in preterm infants exhibiting apnea after GA. Although the post-DS apnea rate is lower than what has been previously published, the small sample size and limitations of a retrospective design prevent us from directing a change in postsedation monitoring recommendations. However, we do support the need for prospective studies with strict monitoring criteria to reveal the true risk of post-DS apnea.

Electrodermal Activity Monitoring during Endotracheal Suction in Sedated Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning of respiratory secretions is one of the most common causes of pain and discomfort in Intensive Care Unit environment. The electrical properties of the skin, also known as electrodermal activity (EDA), are considered as an indirect measure of autonomous nervous system. AIM: This study explores EDA changes during endotracheal suction in sedated adult critical care patients; and compares these changes to other monitoring parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin conductance variability, selected hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, bispectral index (BIS) and ambient noise level, were monitored during 4 hour routine daytime intensive care nursing and treatment in an adult Intensive Care Unit. 4h-measurements were divided into 2 groups, based upon the sedation level (group A: Ramsay sedation scale 2-4 and group B: 5-6 respectively) of the patients. Selected recordings before and after endotracheal suction (stress events) were performed. Seven stress events from Group A and 17 from Group B were included for further analysis. Patients' demographics, laboratory exams and severity scores were recorded. Pain status evaluation before every event was also performed via 2 independent observers. RESULTS: In both groups the rate of EDA changes was greater than in other monitoring parameters. Yet, in group A only selected parameters were significantly changed after the start of the procedure, while in group B, every parameter showed significant change (p<0.05). Groups were similar for other co-founding factors. CONCLUSION: EDA measurements are more sensitive to stress stimuli, than cardiovascular, respiratory or even BIS monitoring. Deeper sedation seems to affect more the intensity of EDA changes during suction.

Sedación y analgesia en pacientes con asistencia ventilatoria mecánica en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina / Sedation and analgesia in patients on mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina

Introducción. Los niños en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) están expuestos a padecer dolor, estrés y ansiedad debido a su enfermedad, el tratamiento o el ambiente. La adecuada sedación y analgesia son fundamentales para su cuidado, especialmente, en aquellos que requieren asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (AVM). Objetivo. Determinar la práctica habitual en la sedación y analgesia de los pacientes que requieren ARM en UCIP de Argentina. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal, multicéntrico, realizado a través de encuestas enviadas por correo electrónico. Resultados. Se encuestaron y respondieron 45 UCIP. El 18% (N= 8) utiliza un protocolo de sedoanalgesia de seguimiento estricto, mientras que el 58% (N= 26) siguen un protocolo "tácito" producto de la automatización en la práctica. Las drogas más utilizadas son el midazolam para sedación y fentanilo para analgesia. El 31% (N= 14) de las UCIP monitorizan la sedación con escalas de evaluación (Ramsay modificada y/o Comfort). El 4% (N= 2) realizan la interrupción diaria de la sedación en forma programada. En pacientes de difícil sedación, la dexmedetomidina es la droga más utilizada como coadyuvante. El 73% (N= 33) de las unidades utilizan bloqueantes neuromusculares ante indicaciones precisas, y un monitoreo clínico. El 20% (N= 9) de las UCIP tienen un protocolo de destete para la sedoanalgesia, la morfina y lorazepam son las drogas más frecuentemente utilizadas. Conclusión. Existe un bajo porcentaje de protocolización en la práctica habitual del manejo de la sedoanalgesia en pacientes con AVM en las UCIP encuestadas.

Introduction. Children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are exposed to experiencing pain, stress and anxiety due to their disease, treatment or care setting. Adequate sedation and analgesia are key to their care, particularly in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Objective. To determine the usual practice in sedation and analgesia management in patients requiring MV in PICUs in Argentina. Material and methods. Descriptive, crosssectional, multi-center study conducted by means of e-mailed surveys. Results. A total of 45 PICUs were surveyed, 18% (N= 8) of which follow a sedation and analgesia protocol strictly, while 58% (N= 26) follow an "implied" protocol based on routine practice. The most commonly used drugs were midazolam, for sedation, and fentanyl, for analgesia. In 31% (N= 14) of the PICUs, sedation was monitored through assessment scales (modified Ramsay and/or Comfort scales). In 4% (N= 2) of units, daily, scheduled interruptions of sedation was implemented. In patients who are difficult to sedate, dexmedetomidine was the most commonly used adjuvant. In 73% (N= 33) of the units, neuromuscular blocking agents were used in compliance with precise guidelines and under clinical monitoring. In 20% (N= 9) of the PICUs there was a sedation and analgesia weaning protocol in place, and morphine and lorazepam are the most commonly used drugs. Conclusion. Only a low percentage of surveyed PICUs had a protocol in place for the routine management of sedation and analgesia in patients on MV.

Sedation and analgesia in patients on mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. / Sedación y analgesia en pacientes con asistencia ventilatoria mecánica en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are exposed to experiencing pain, stress and anxiety due to their disease, treatment or care setting. Adequate sedation and analgesia are key to their care, particularly in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). OBJECTIVE: To determine the usual practice in sedation and analgesia management in patients requiring MV in PICUs in Argentina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, crosssectional, multi-center study conducted by means of e-mailed surveys. RESULTS: A total of 45 PICUs were surveyed, 18% (N= 8) of which follow a sedation and analgesia protocol strictly, while 58% (N= 26) follow an "implied" protocol based on routine practice. The most commonly used drugs were midazolam, for sedation, and fentanyl, for analgesia. In 31% (N= 14) of the PICUs, sedation was monitored through assessment scales (modified Ramsay and/or Comfort scales). In 4% (N= 2) of units, daily, scheduled interruptions of sedation was implemented. In patients who are difficult to sedate, dexmedetomidine was the most commonly used adjuvant. In 73% (N= 33) of the units, neuromuscular blocking agents were used in compliance with precise guidelines and under clinical monitoring. In 20% (N= 9) of the PICUs there was a sedation and analgesia weaning protocol in place, and morphine and lorazepam are the most commonly used drugs. CONCLUSION: Only a low percentage of surveyed PICUs had a protocol in place for the routine management of sedation and analgesia in patients on MV.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los niños en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) están expuestos a padecer dolor, estrés y ansiedad debido a su enfermedad, el tratamiento o el ambiente. La adecuada sedación y analgesia son fundamentales para su cuidado, especialmente, en aquellos que requieren asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (AVM). OBJETIVO: Determinar la práctica habitual en la sedación y analgesia de los pacientes que requieren ARM en UCIP de Argentina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, multicéntrico, realizado a través de encuestas enviadas por correo electrónico. RESULTADOS: Se encuestaron y respondieron 45 UCIP. El 18% (N= 8) utiliza un protocolo de sedoanalgesia de seguimiento estricto, mientras que el 58% (N= 26) siguen un protocolo "tácito" producto de la automatización en la práctica. Las drogas más utilizadas son el midazolam para sedación y fentanilo para analgesia. El 31% (N= 14) de las UCIP monitorizan la sedación con escalas de evaluación (Ramsay modificada y/o Comfort). El 4% (N= 2) realizan la interrupción diaria de la sedación en forma programada. En pacientes de difícil sedación, la dexmedetomidina es la droga más utilizada como coadyuvante. El 73% (N= 33) de las unidades utilizan bloqueantes neuromusculares ante indicaciones precisas, y un monitoreo clínico. El 20% (N= 9) de las UCIP tienen un protocolo de destete para la sedoanalgesia, la morfina y lorazepam son las drogas más frecuentemente utilizadas. CONCLUSIÓN: Existe un bajo porcentaje de protocolización en la práctica habitual del manejo de la sedoanalgesia en pacientes con AVM en las UCIP encuestadas.

Feasibility of continuous sedation monitoring in critically ill intensive care unit patients using the NeuroSENSE WAVCNS index.

Sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is challenging, as both over- and under-sedation are detrimental. Current methods of assessment, such as the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), are measured intermittently and rely on patients' behavioral response to stimulation, which may interrupt sleep/rest. A non-stimulating method for continuous sedation monitoring may be beneficial and allow more frequent assessment. Processed electroencephalography (EEG) monitors have not been routinely adopted in the ICU. The aim of this observational study was to assess the feasibility of using the NeuroSENSE™ monitor for EEG-based continuous sedation assessment. With ethical approval, ICU patients on continuous propofol sedation were recruited. Depth-of-hypnosis index (WAVCNS) values were obtained from the NeuroSENSE. Bedside nurses, blinded to the NeuroSENSE, performed regular RASS assessments and maintained the sedation regimen as per standard of care. Participants were monitored throughout the duration of their propofol infusion, up to 24 h. Fifteen patients, with median [interquartile range] age of 57 [52-62.5] years were each monitored for a duration of 9.0 [5.7-20.1] h. Valid WAVCNS values were obtained for 89% [66-99] of monitoring time and were widely distributed within and between individuals, with 6% [1-31] spent < 40 (very deep), and 3% [1-15] spent > 90 (awake). Significant EEG suppression was detected in 3/15 (20%) participants. Observed RASS matched RASS goals in 36/89 (40%) assessments. The WAVCNS variability, and incidence of EEG suppression, highlight the limitations of using RASS as a standalone sedation measure, and suggests potential benefit of adjunct continuous brain monitoring.