Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists for postoperative nausea and vomiting: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Antagonistas do receptor da neurocinina-1 no tratamento de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Abstract Background: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of general anesthesia. Several kinds of antiemetics, including 5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, and Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists have been used to treat PONV. Objectives: To compare the antiemetic effect of NK-1 receptor antagonists, including fosaprepitant. Data sources: Online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library databases) were used. Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) performed in patients over 18 years with ASA-PS of I‒III, aimed to assess the efficacy of antiemetics including NK-1 receptor antagonists and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, and compared the incidence of PONV were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: All statistical assessments were conducted by a random effect approach, and odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated. Results: Aprepitant 40 mg and 80 mg significantly reduced the incidence of vomiting 0‒24 hours postoperatively (Odds Ratio [OR = 0.40]; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 0.30‒0.54]; p < 0.001, and OR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.19‒0.56; p < 0.001). Fosaprepitant could also reduce the incidence of vomiting significantly both 0‒24 and 0‒48 hours postoperatively (OR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.02‒0.24; p < 0.001 and OR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.02‒0.23; p < 0.001). Limitations: Risk factors for PONV are not considered, RCTs using multiple antiemetics are included, RCTs for fosaprepitant is small, and some bias may be present. Conclusions and implications of key findings: Aprepitant and fosaprepitant can be effective prophylactic antiemetics for postoperative vomiting. However, more studies are required for higher-quality meta-analyses. Systematic review registration number: CRD42019120188.

Resumo Histórico: Náusea e Vômito no Pós-Operatório (NVPO) é um evento adverso frequente da anestesia geral. Várias classes de antieméticos, incluindo antagonistas do receptor 5-Hidroxitriptamina3 (5-HT3) e antagonistas do receptor da Neurocinina-1 (NK-1), têm sido utilizados para tratar a NVPO. Objetivo: Comparar o efeito antiemético dos antagonistas do receptor NK-1, incluindo o fosaprepitanto. Fontes de dados: Foram utilizadas bases de dados on-line (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library). Critérios de elegibilidade do estudo, participantes e intervenções: Foram incluídos Estudos Clínicos Randomizados (ECR) realizados em pacientes acima de 18 anos classificação ASA I a III, com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia de antieméticos que incluíssem antagonistas do receptor NK-1 e antagonistas do receptor 5-HT3, e que comparassem a incidência de NVPO. Métodos de avaliação e síntese do estudo: Todas as avaliações estatísticas foram realizadas por abordagem de efeito aleatório e foram calculadas razões de chances e Intervalos de Confiança de 95%. Resultados: As doses de 40 mg e 80 mg de aprepitanto reduziram significantemente a incidência de vômito no período de 0 a 24 horas pós-operatórias (razão de chances [OR = 0,40]; Intervalo de Confiança de 95% [95% IC] 0,30-0,54; p < 0,001 e OR = 0,32; 95% IC 0,19-0,56; p < 0,001). O fosaprepitanto pode também reduzir significantemente a incidência de vômito tanto de 0-24 horas como no período de 0-48 horas pós-operatórias (OR = 0,07; 95% IC 0,02-0,24; p < 0,001 e OR = 0,07; 95% IC 0,02-0,23; p < 0,001). Limitações: Os fatores de risco para NVPO não foram analisados, ECRs usando múltiplos antieméticos foram incluídos, ECRs para fosaprepitanto tinham amostras pequenas, podendo haver algum viés. Conclusões e implicações dos principais achados: Aprepitanto e fosaprepitanto podem ser drogas antieméticas profiláticas efetivas para vômito no pós-operatório. No entanto, são necessários mais estudos para elaboração de meta-análises de melhor qualidade. Número de registro da revisão sistemática: CRD42019120188.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Restless Legs Syndrome: A Case Report.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory disorder associated with sensory and motor symptoms that most commonly occur at night and during periods of rest. It is characterized by altered or abnormal sensations primarily in the legs and the urge to move the associated limbs. Perioperative procedures, including general anesthesia, can cause exacerbations of RLS. This is a case report of a suspected RLS exacerbation in a 22-year-old woman who had no formal diagnosis of RLS despite reporting symptoms that met all essential diagnostic criteria by the International RLS Study Group. Despite her previous diagnoses of dehydration induced-muscle pain or nocturnal cramps, we suspected her to have RLS. The patient underwent general anesthesia for a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy using a combined inhalational and intravenous anesthetic technique with sevoflurane, propofol, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine. After successful completion of the surgery and returning to the ward, she began moving her lower extremities and complaining of unpleasant sensations in both ankles. Bed rest exacerbated the suspected RLS symptoms despite a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine. The RLS symptoms continued to worsen and spread to her upper extremities. After increasing the dexmedetomidine infusion from 0.2 to 0.4 µg/kg/h, almost all symptoms improved, and she slept for 3 hours. Upon awakening, the unpleasant sensations were completely relieved by walking and stretching. The patient was formally diagnosed with RLS by a neurologist after discharge. In this case, an infusion of dexmedetomidine was helpful in successfully managing a suspected exacerbation of RLS.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting following lower limb surgery†:a comparison between single-injection intraarticular anesthesia and continuous epidural anesthesia.

Study Objective : the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following single-injection intraarticular anesthesia was compared to that following continuous epidural anesthesia. Design : Prospective, double-blind, randomized study. Setting : University-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients : Forty-eight patients finally participated in this study, and each group contained twenty-four patients. Interventions : Patients scheduled to undergo lower limb surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups, to receive either single-injection intraarticular or continuous epidural anesthesia for postoperative analgesia. Measurements : The incidence and severity of PONV, complete response rates (i.e., no vomiting or rescue antiemetic use), and pain scores were recorded 2, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Main results : No significant differences between groups were observed in the incidence and severity of PONV, rescue antiemetic use, or complete response rate at any of the time points, but only the use of rescue analgesics was significantly less in continuous epidural anesthesia group during the 2-24h postoperative period (P=0.04). Conclusion : While the use of single-injection intraarticular anesthesia following lower limb surgery did not prevent PONV more than continuous epidural anesthesia in this study, the intraarticular technique still provides greater simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness. J. Med. Invest. 66 : 303-307, August, 2019.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis.

A 54-year-old woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 19 years was scheduled to undergo temporomandibular joint mobilization. She was currently in a remission phase from her MS but with persistent sequelae, including impaired eyesight and muscle weakness of the limbs. In addition, the blood vessels in her upper limbs were compromised by the formation of internal shunts secondary to vascular prosthesis replacements for plasma exchange therapy in MS. After a previous joint mobilization surgery, her temporomandibular joint developed adhesions with resultant trismus. One of the adverse effects of general anesthesia can be exacerbations of MS symptoms. Minimizing mental and physical stress caused by surgical and anesthetic procedures and maintenance of stable body temperature are important considerations. Awake intubation was performed under sedation with midazolam and fentanyl. After intubation, anesthesia was induced with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium. Maintenance of anesthesia was achieved with oxygen-N2O-sevoflurane, remifentanil, fentanyl, and rocuronium. In this case, no adverse events occurred intraoperatively. However, the patient experienced lingering weakness of the limbs in the postoperative period, and activities of daily living of the patient were affected.

Management of infusion reactions associated with cetuximab treatment: A case report.

Cetuximab is a drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, which is indicated for the treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent head and neck or colorectal cancer. Cetuximab also enhances the cytotoxic effects of radiation in squamous cell carcinoma. The severity of infusion reactions (IR) is categorized from grade 1 to 5; grades 3 and 4 are associated with life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis), whereas grade 5 indicates death. The incidence of grade 3-4 IR with premedication is reported to be 1.1%. We herein describe a case of a 77-year-old man who developed IR during intravenous administration of cetuximab. The patient developed grade 3-4 anaphylaxis with pruritus, rash and urticaria, followed by hypotension and bradycardia. The timely diagnosis and treatment with intravenous infusion of a vasopressor drug and Ringer's acetate solution proved to be effective. The case presented herein demonstrated an unfeatured aspect of cetuximab-related IR as dermatological reactions over the entire body followed by circulatory collapse.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) 4 years earlier and was scheduled to undergo removal of synovial chondromatosis in the temporomandibular joint. EDS is a heritable connective tissue disorder and has 6 types. In this case, the patient was classified into EDS hypermobility type. The major clinical feature of this type is joint hypermobility. The patient had sprain or subluxation of the elbows and ankles and dislocation of the knees. Anticipated problems during general anesthesia would be affected by the disease type. For this patient, extra attention was directed to positional injury-induced neuropathy and articular luxation, cutaneous injuries, injuries related to intubation and ventilation, and postoperative pain. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium and maintained with oxygen-air-desflurane, propofol, remifentanil, fentanyl, and rocuronium. In this case, the patient was safely managed without adverse events.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD) is a hereditary peripheral neuropathy and is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy and motor-sensory disorders in all 4 limbs. Most reports have indicated that major challenges with general anesthetic administration in CMTD patients are the appropriate use of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants and preparation for malignant hyperthermia in neuromuscular disease. Moderate sedation may be associated with the same complications as those of general anesthesia, as well as dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, reduced perioperative respiratory function, difficulty in positioning, and sensitivity to intravenous anesthetic agents. We decided to use intravenous sedation in a CMTD patient and administered midazolam initially and propofol continuously, with total doses of 1.5 mg and 300 mg, respectively. Anesthesia was completed in 3 hours and 30 minutes without adverse events. We suggest that dental anesthetic treatment with propofol and midazolam may be effective for patients with CMTD.

Effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery / Efeitos de um novo método de anestesia combinando propofol e anestesia volátil sobre a incidência de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidas à laparoscopia ginecológica

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: those maintained with sevoflurane (Group S, n = 42), propofol (Group P, n = 42), or combined propofol and sevoflurane (Group PS, n = 42). We assessed complete response (no postoperative nausea and vomiting and no rescue antiemetic use), incidence of nausea and vomiting, nausea severity score, vomiting frequency, rescue antiemetic use, and postoperative pain at 2 and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The number of patients who exhibited a complete response was greater in Groups P and PS than in Group S at 0-2 h (74%, 76% and 43%, respectively, p = 0.001) and 0-24 h (71%, 76% and 38%, respectively, p < 0.0005). The incidence of nausea at 0-2 h (Group S = 57%, Group P = 26% and Group PS = 21%, p = 0.001) and 0-24 h (Group S = 62%, Group P = 29% and Group PS = 21%, p < 0.0005) was also significantly different among groups. However, there were no significant differences among groups in the incidence or frequency of vomiting or rescue antiemetic use at 0-24 h. CONCLUSION: Combined propofol and volatile anesthesia during laparoscopic gynecological surgery effectively decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea. We term this novel method of anesthesia "combined intravenous-volatile anesthesia (CIVA)".

JUSTIFICATIVA: Investigamos os efeitos de um novo método de anestesia, que combina propofol e anestesia volátil, sobre a incidência de náusea e vômito no período pós-operatório de pacientes submetidas à laparoscopia ginecológica. MÉTODOS: As pacientes foram randomicamente divididas em três grupos: manutenção com sevoflurano (Grupo S, n = 42), com propofol (Grupo P, n = 42) ou com a combinação de propofol e sevoflurano (Grupo PS, n = 42). Avaliamos as respostas completas (sem náusea e vômito no pós-operatório e sem uso de antiemético de resgate), incidência de náusea e vômito, escore de gravidade da náusea, frequência de vômitos, uso de antiemético de resgate e dor no pós-operatório em duas e 24 horas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: O número de doentes que apresentou uma resposta completa foi maior nos grupos P e PS do que no Grupo S em 0-duas horas (74%, 76% e 43%m respectivamente, p = 0,001) e 0-24 horas (71%, 76% e 38%, respectivamente, p < 0,0005). A incidência de náusea em 0-duas horas (Grupo S = 57%, Grupo P = 26% e Grupo PS = 21%, p = 0,001) e 0-24 horas (Grupo S = 62%; Grupo P = 29% e grupo PS = 21%, p < 0,0005) também foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos. Porém, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à incidência ou frequência de vômitos ou uso de antiemético de resgate em 0-24 horas. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação de propofol e anestesia volátil durante a laparoscopia ginecológica efetivamente diminui a incidência de náusea no pós-operatório.

Effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: those maintained with sevoflurane (Group S, n=42), propofol (Group P, n=42), or combined propofol and sevoflurane (Group PS, n=42). We assessed complete response (no postoperative nausea and vomiting and no rescue antiemetic use), incidence of nausea and vomiting, nausea severity score, vomiting frequency, rescue antiemetic use, and postoperative pain at 2 and 24h after surgery. RESULTS: The number of patients who exhibited a complete response was greater in Groups P and PS than in Group S at 0-2h (74%, 76% and 43%, respectively, p=0.001) and 0-24h (71%, 76% and 38%, respectively, p<0.0005). The incidence of nausea at 0-2h (Group S=57%, Group P=26% and Group PS=21%, p=0.001) and 0-24h (Group S=62%, Group P=29% and Group PS=21%, p<0.0005) was also significantly different among groups. However, there were no significant differences among groups in the incidence or frequency of vomiting or rescue antiemetic use at 0-24h. CONCLUSION: Combined propofol and volatile anesthesia during laparoscopic gynecological surgery effectively decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea. We term this novel method of anesthesia "combined intravenous-volatile anesthesia (CIVA)".

[Effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery]. / Efeitos de um novo método de anestesia combinando propofol e anestesia volátil sobre a incidência de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidas à laparoscopia ginecológica.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of a novel method of anesthesia combining propofol and volatile anesthesia on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: those maintained with sevoflurane (Group S; n = 42), propofol (Group P; n = 42), or combined propofol and sevoflurane (Group PS; n = 42). We assessed complete response (no postoperative nausea and vomiting and no rescue antiemetic use), incidence of nausea and vomiting, nausea severity score, vomiting frequency, rescue antiemetic use, and postoperative pain at 2 and 24h after surgery. RESULTS: The number of patients who exhibited a complete response was greater in Groups P and PS than in Group S at 0-2h (74%; 76% and 43%; respectively, p = 0.001) and 0-24h (71%; 76%, and 38%; respectively, p < 0.0005). The incidence of nausea at 0-2h (Group S = 57%; Group P = 26% and Group PS = 21%; p = 0.001) and 0-24h (Group S = 62%; Group P = 29% and Group PS = 21%; p < 0.0005) was also significantly different among groups. However, there were no significant differences among groups in the incidence or frequency of vomiting or rescue antiemetic use at 0-24h. CONCLUSION: Combined propofol and volatile anesthesia during laparoscopic gynecological surgery effectively decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea.

Trends in electrocardiographic R-wave amplitude during intraoperative pneumothorax.

Tension pneumothorax is a rare but potentially life-threating complication of laparoscopic fundoplication. Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes may be used in the diagnosis of intraoperative tension pneumothorax. This case study examines a pediatric patient who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Sudden decreases in oxygen saturation were observed during dissection, although the patient's decrease in blood pressure was less marked. Manual ventilation with high inspiratory pressure and inspiratory pause improved oxygenation. The amplitude of the R-wave decreased from 0.8 mV to 0.3 mV in 5 seconds. Twenty minutes later, oxygen saturation decreased again, the R-wave amplitude decreased from 0.3 mV to 0.1 mV in 1 second, and the decrease in blood pressure was marked. Manual ventilation with high inspiratory pressure improved oxygenation, blood pressure, and R-wave amplitude within two minutes. After conversion to open surgery, the cardiorespiratory condition gradually improved, but the R-wave amplitude did not fully recover, even at the end of surgery. Right-side pneumothorax was subsequently confirmed by postoperative chest X-ray. Chest drains were inserted after surgery. This case suggests that trends in R-wave amplitude are potential indicators of intraoperative tension pneumothorax.

Anesthesia for deep brain stimulation in a patient with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism/Lubag disease.

Lubag disease is a genetic X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome afflicting Filipino men. This disease is characterized by dystonia dominating the first 10-15 years of the disorder, which is associated with or replaced by parkinsonian features in later years of life. A 49-year-old man with Lubag disease underwent general anesthesia for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Anesthesia was maintained mainly with propofol, remifentanil, rocuronium bromide, and sevoflurane. During magnetic resonance imaging, the patient was anesthetized with midazolam, fentanyl, and rocuronium bromide. The surgery was completed safely using these anesthetic agents. After DBS, some symptoms including involuntary movement improved within 10 days.

[Anesthesia for laser surgery of a tracheal tumor involving the carina: preservation of spontaneous breathing using remifentanil].

We describe anesthetic management of a patient with airway stenosis due to a tracheal tumor involving the carina. A 68-year-old man developed dyspnea and was scheduled for YAG laser surgery under general anesthesia. Awake fiberoptic intubation was selected for anesthesia induction, and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was ready to be established prior to induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil (0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and propofol (2 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)), and spontaneous breathing was preserved throughout the surgical procedure. The operation was completed successfully without any adverse events, and PCPS was not used. In this patient, preservation of spontaneous breathing using remifentanil was found to be useful for airway management.

General anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy with Brugada electrocardiograph pattern.

Brugada syndrome is characterized by an electrocardiograph pattern of right bundle-branch block and has an increased risk for cardiac arrest due to malignant arrhythmia. We describe the successful anesthetic management for electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with Brugada electrocardiograph pattern. Patients with Brugada ECG pattern are not recommended to use neostigmine which augments ST elevation. Sugammadex was administered as a neuromuscular reversal agent in this case. Sugammadex provides rapid reversal of profound rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade under propofol anesthesia.

[Anesthetic management of a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy].

We experienced anesthetic management of a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy. He had advanced dilated cardiomyopathy and high serum CK in the preoperative examinations. Anesthesia was planned to avoid triggering malignant hyperthermia or rhabdomyolysis and hemodynamic changes. Propofol, remifentanil and a minimum dose of rocuronium bromide were used for anesthetic induction and maintainance. Arterial pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume variation were monitored by Flotrac sensor. There were no adverse events observed during the anesthetic management. In conclusion, total intravenous anesthesia with the administration of rocuronium and circulatory monitoring by Flotrac sensor could be safe and efficient for anesthetic management of patients with Becker muscular dystrophy.

[Assessment of disposable crystal laryngoscope blade].

We evaluated Disposable Crystal Laryngoscope Blades in terms of preventing infection. Most anesthesiologists were satisfied with the view offered by the Disposable Crystal Laryngoscope Blade; however more force is necessary to lift the epiglottis during intubation. It may be more difficult to use by residents, inexperienced anesthesiologist, or emergency medical technicians, although the Disposable Crystal Laryngoscope blade is useful for preventing infection.