Remimazolam and Remifentanil Use Induced Severe Respiratory Depression and Laryngeal Spasm During Intravenous Sedation and Analgesia: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous sedation and analgesia are widely used in minor surgeries. Remifentanil and remimazolam are advantageous in this setting because of their rapid onset of action, and short duration of action leading to a rapid recovery. However, the two drugs combined need to be titrated to avoid airway-related adverse events. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reports a case of severe respiratory depression and severe laryngeal spasm induced by remifentanil and remimazolam when they were used for analgesia and sedation in a patient undergoing oral biopsy. CONCLUSION: We aim to improve awareness about the safety of these drugs among anesthesiologists and increase their ability to manage the risk associated with their use.

Should rocuronium and sugammadex replace succinylcholine for airway emergencies in class B ambulatory anesthesia settings?

INTRODUCTION: In class B surgical facilities, where only oral or intravenous (IV) sedation is employed without the administration of volatile anesthetics, laryngospasm is among the most common airway complications. However, these facilities generally do not stock succinylcholine to avoid the cost of storing dantrolene for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia (MH). High dose IV rocuronium with sugammadex reversal has been suggested as an alternative to succinylcholine for airway emergencies. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical utility, patient safety, and financial implications of replacing succinylcholine with rocuronium and sugammadex in lieu of stocking dantrolene in class B facilities. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature concerning neuromuscular blockade for airway emergencies in class B settings in adult patients was conducted. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for published studies from January 1, 1990, to October 1, 2021. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the certainty of evidence. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search strategy yielded 1124 articles. After review, 107 articles were included, with 49 graded as "strong" evidence to provide recommendations for the posed questions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of succinylcholine in isolation without volatile agents has a low incidence of triggering MH. Laryngospasm is a common airway emergency that requires immediate treatment to avoid morbidity and mortality. Both succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex provide adequate treatment of airway emergencies and rapid return of spontaneous ventilation, but succinylcholine has a superior economic and clinical profile.

Addition of magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine improves analgesic efficacy after tonsillectomy: A randomized trial and a CONSORT analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to compare the wound infiltration (peritonsillar fossa) of magnesium sulphate combined with bupivacaine, bupivacaine alone and saline solution on post-tonsillectomy pain in children. The accessory objectives were to evaluate the effect of magnesium sulphate infiltration on prevention of laryngospasm and occurrence of nausea/vomiting. METHODS: This study is a prospective; double blinded and randomized clinical trial. Seventy-five children undergoing tonsillectomy were enrolled. Patients were randomized into three groups using closed envelop technique. Group 1 (N=24) received saline solution (NaCl), group 2 (N=25) received 0.25% bupivacaine (1mg/kg) and group 3 received magnesium sulphate (5mg/kg) and 0.25% bupivacaine (1mg/kg) after tonsillectomy using three-point technique. Pain was evaluated using mCHEOPS scale. The occurrence of laryngospasm, nausea and vomiting was monitored. RESULTS: The mCHEOPS scores of the group 3 were significantly lower than those of the group 2 and 1 (P<0.001). Time to first analgesic administration was longer for the group 3 than for the groups 2 and 1 (P<0.001). The mean consumption of additional analgesic drugs was lower for the group 3 than the other groups (P<0.001). There were no episodes of laryngospasm in the group 3 in comparison with the other groups. The difference of the incidence of nausea and vomiting was not statistically significant (P=0.628). CONCLUSION: The adjunction of magnesium sulphate to bupivacaine proved to provide more efficient pain control than bupivacaine alone. However, the small number of participants and the absence of sampling at the P level of 0.005 do not allow to conclude with absolute certainty.

Effect of tramadol on extubation response and quality of emergence following Supratentorial surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: To observe the effect of a single dose of tramadol 1mg/kg on haemodynamic changes related to extubation, and to assess the quality of emergence as judged by incidence of cough, laryngospasm and bronchospasm. METHODS: The double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2016 to 2017, and comprised patients of either gender aged 18-65 years scheduled for elective supratentorial craniotomy under general anaesthesia. The patients were randomised to two Tramadol and Saline groups. The drug was given 45 minutes before extubation at the time of dura closure. The patients were extubated after resumption of adequate spontaneous breathing. Invasive blood pressure and heart rate were recorded one minute before reversal, at 1 minute interval for five minutes and then every 10 minute for 30 minutes after extubation. Cough, laryngospasm and bronchospasm were noted. Pain, post-operative nausea, vomiting, convulsions and conscious levels were also noted till 6 hours post-operatively. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients enrolled, 79(98.75%) completed the study. Of them, 38(48%) were in the Tramadol group; 27(71.1%) males and 11(28.9%) females with a mean age of 43.42±13.2 years. The remaining 41(52%) patients were in the Saline group; 28(68.3%) males and 13(31.7%) females with a mean age of 45.9±15.9 years. Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference in the extubation response (p>0.05), but the changes in blood pressure and heart rate were shorter in magnitude and duration in the Tramadol group compared to the baseline. Significant rise in blood pressure and heart rate were observed in the Saline group at 5 minutes after extubation (p=0.046). There was no difference in the quality of emergence as judged by cough or secondary complications (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol 1mg/kg was considered superior in attenuating the duration and magnitude of haemodynamic response in the shape of hypertension and tachycardia during extubation, but did not affect other parameters in patients undergoing craniotomy. Clinical Trial Number: Clinical Trials.gov PRS: NCT02964416, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02964416.

A missed case of lurasidone induced laryngospasm: A case study and overview of extrapyramidal symptom identification and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with bipolar disorder are treated exclusively in primary care settings, and the use of atypical antipsychotics as primary treatment for bipolar depression is increasing. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are common side effects of antipsychotic medications, and clinicians should actively monitor for these symptoms when prescribing antipsychotic medications. Accurate diagnosis of EPS is especially important as the symptoms can be highly distressing, and in some cases, life threatening. Our aim is to familiarize primary care providers and other clinicians prescribing antipsychotic medications with EPS and to aid in its rapid diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: We describe a case of lurasidone induced dystonia with prominent laryngospasm and oculogyric crisis which was missed for many years in the primary care setting, largely due to misdiagnosis of symptoms as being related to anxiety and panic attacks. RESULTS: In addition to summarizing this illustrative case, we present the most common forms of EPS and summarize the primary therapies for each type of EPS. CONCLUSIONS: With increased management of bipolar disorder in the primary care setting and increased use of atypical antipsychotics as the primary therapy for bipolar disorder, it is essential that all practitioners are prepared to actively monitor for EPS, followed by its rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention and Treatment of Laryngospasm in the Pediatric Patient: A Literature Review.

Laryngospasm is an exaggeration of a protective reflex that prevents aspiration of foreign objects into the lower airway (eg, during swallowing). This results in complete or partial closure of the glottis, and impedance or total obstruction of airflow to the trachea and lungs. Often, the resulting hypoxia will by itself break a laryngospasm; however, if the spasm continues without relief, it can lead to pulmonary edema, cardiac dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and ultimately death. This evidence-based literature review explores the pathophysiology of laryngospasm and covers mechanical and pharmacologic prevention and treatment modalities in pediatric patients.

Nebulized Lidocaine in the Treatment of Refractory Postoperative Laryngospasm: A Case Report.

Intraoperative laryngospasm occurs in <1% of cases. Recurrent laryngospasm is rarer. Some risk factors include shared airway and pediatric surgery, secretions, pungent volatile anesthetics, and patient factors, such as smoking and asthma. Conventional management includes the application of positive airway pressure, jaw thrust, the removal of any offending stimuli, deepening anesthesia, or administering muscle relaxants. Nebulized lidocaine is used to anesthetize the vocal cords before awake fiberoptic intubation. This case highlights the novel use of nebulized lidocaine to successfully treat refractory postoperative laryngospasm in a fully conscious adult patient after conventional measures were unsuccessful.

Low dose propofol vs. lidocaine for relief of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in the obstetric patient / Dose baixa de propofol versus lidocaína para alívio de laringoespasmo resistente pós-extubação em paciente obstétrica

Abstract Background Post-extubation laryngospasm is a dangerous complication that should be managed promptly. Standard measures were described for its management. We aimed to compare the efficacy of propofol (0.5 mg.kg-1) vs. lidocaine (1.5 mg.kg-1) for treatment of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in the obstetric patients, after failure of the standard measures. Method This study was conducted over 2 years on all obstetric patients scheduled for cesarean delivery. Post-extubation laryngospasm was initially managed with a standard protocol (removal of offending stimulus, jaw thrust, positive pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen). When this protocol failed, the tested drug was the second line (lidocaine in the first year and propofol in the second year). Lastly, succinylcholine was used when the tested drug failed. Results In lidocaine group, 5% of parturients developed post-extubation laryngospasm, 31.9% of them were successfully treated via standard protocol, and 68.1% required lidocaine treatment. Among these, 65.6% of patients treated with lidocaine responded successfully and 34.4% required succinylcholine to relieve laryngospasm. In propofol group, 4.7% of parturients developed post-extubation laryngospasm, 30.1% of them were successfully treated via standard protocol, and 69.9% required propofol treatment. Among these, 82.8% of patients treated with propofol responded successfully and 17.2% required succinylcholine to relieve laryngospasm. Conclusion Small dose of propofol (0.5 mg.kg-1) is marginally more effective than lidocaine (1.5 mg.kg-1) for the treatment of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in obstetric patients, after failure of standard measures and before the use of muscle relaxants.

Resumo Justificativa O laringoespasmo pós-extubação é uma complicação perigosa que deve ser prontamente tratada. Medidas padrão para o seu manejo foram descritas. O nosso objetivo foi comparar a eficácia de propofol (0,5 mg.kg-1) versus lidocaína (1,5 mg.kg-1) no tratamento de laringoespasmo resistente pós-extubação em pacientes obstétricas após falha das medidas padrão. Método Este estudo foi conduzido ao longo de dois anos em todas as pacientes obstétricas programadas para cesariana. O laringoespasmo pós-extubação foi inicialmente tratado com um protocolo padrão (remoção do estímulo ofensivo, protrusão mandibular, ventilação com pressão positiva com oxigênio a 100%). Ao constatar a falha desse protocolo, o fármaco testado foi a segunda opção (lidocaína no primeiro ano e propofol no segundo ano). Por fim, succinilcolina foi usada quando houve falha do fármaco testado. Resultados No grupo lidocaína, 5% das parturientes desenvolveram laringoespasmo pós-extubação, 31,9% delas foram tratadas com sucesso via protocolo padrão e 68,1% precisaram de tratamento com lidocaína, das quais, 65,6% responderam com sucesso ao tratamento com lidocaína e 34,4% precisaram de succinilcolina para alívio do laringoespasmo. No grupo propofol, 4,7% das parturientes desenvolveram laringoespasmo pós-extubação, 30,1% delas foram tratadas com sucesso via protocolo padrão e 69,9% precisaram de tratamento com propofol, das quais, 82,8% responderam com sucesso ao tratamento com propofol e 17,2% precisaram de succinilcolina para alívio do laringoespasmo. Conclusão Uma pequena dose de propofol (0,5 mg.kg-1) é marginalmente mais eficaz do que lidocaína (1,5 mg.kg-1) no tratamento de laringoespasmo resistente pós-extubação em pacientes obstétricas, após falha das medidas padrão e antes do uso de relaxantes musculares.

[Low dose propofol vs. lidocaine for relief of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in the obstetric patient]. / Dose baixa de propofol versus lidocaína para alívio de laringoespasmo resistente pós­extubação em paciente obstétrica.

BACKGROUND: Post-extubation laryngospasm is a dangerous complication that should be managed promptly. Standard measures were described for its management. We aimed to compare the efficacy of propofol (0.5mg.kg-1) vs. lidocaine (1.5mg.kg-1) for treatment of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in the obstetric patients, after failure of the standard measures. METHOD: This study was conducted over 2 years on all obstetric patients scheduled for cesarean delivery. Post-extubation laryngospasm was initially managed with a standard protocol (removal of offending stimulus, jaw thrust, positive pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen). When this protocol failed, the tested drug was the second line (lidocaine in the first year and propofol in the second year). Lastly, succinylcholine was used when the tested drug failed. RESULTS: In lidocaine group, 5% of parturients developed post-extubation laryngospasm, 31.9% of them were successfully treated via standard protocol, and 68.1% required lidocaine treatment. 65.6% of patients treated with lidocaine responded successfully and 34.4% required succinylcholine to relieve laryngospasm. In propofol group, 4.7% of parturients developed post-extubation laryngospasm, 30.1% of them were successfully treated via standard protocol, and 69.9% required propofol treatment. 82.8% of patients treated with propofol responded successfully and 17.2% required succinylcholine to relieve laryngospasm. CONCLUSION: Small dose of propofol (0.5mg.kg-1) is marginally more effective than lidocaine (1.5mg.kg-1) for the treatment of resistant post-extubation laryngospasm in obstetric patients, after failure of standard measures and before the use of muscle relaxants.

Succinylcholine for Emergency Airway Rescue in Class B Ambulatory Facilities: The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Position Statement.

Procedures in class B ambulatory facilities are performed exclusively with oral or IV sedative-hypnotics and/or analgesics. These facilities typically do not stock dantrolene because no known triggers of malignant hyperthermia (ie, inhaled anesthetics and succinylcholine) are available. This article argues that, in the absence of succinylcholine, the morbidity and mortality from laryngospasm can be significant, indeed, higher than the unlikely scenario of succinylcholine-triggered malignant hyperthermia. The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) position statement for the use of succinylcholine for emergency airway management is presented.

Effect of Botulinum Toxin and Surgery among Spasmodic Dysphonia Patients.

Objective The effect of botulinum toxin among patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) is temporary. To optimize long-term treatment outcome, other therapy options should be evaluated. Alternative treatment options for AdSD comprise several surgical treatments, such as thyroarytenoid myotomy, thyroplasty, selective laryngeal adductor denervation-reinnervation, laryngeal nerve crush, and recurrent laryngeal nerve resection. Here, we present the first systematic review comparing the effect of botulinum toxin with surgical treatment among patients diagnosed with AdSD. Data Sources MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Methods Articles were reviewed by 2 independent authors, and data were compiled in tables for analysis of the objective outcome (voice expert evaluation after voice recording), the subjective outcome (patient self-assessment scores), and voice-related quality of life (Voice Health Index scores). Results No clinical trials comparing both treatment modalities were identified. Single-armed studies evaluated either the effect of botulinum toxin or surgical treatment. Thirteen studies reported outcomes after botulinum toxin treatment (n = 419), and 9 studies reported outcomes after surgical treatment (n = 585 patients). A positive effect of bilateral botulinum toxin injections was found for the objective voice outcome, subjective voice outcome, and quality of life. The duration of the beneficial effect ranged from 15 to 18 weeks. Surgical treatment had an overall positive effect on objective voice improvement, subjective voice improvement, and quality of live. Conclusion No preference for one treatment could be demonstrated. Prospective clinical trials comparing treatment modalities are recommended to delineate the optimal outcomes by direct comparison.

Spasmodic dysphonia: a seven-year audit of dose titration and demographics in the Indian population.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the demographics of spasmodic dysphonia in the Indian population and to analyse the optimum dose titration of botulinum toxin type A in this group. A comparative analysis with international studies was also performed. METHOD: The study involved a retrospective analysis and audit of botulinum toxin type A dose titration in spasmodic dysphonia patients who visited our voice clinic between January 2005 and January 2012. RESULTS: The average total therapeutic dose required for patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia was 4.2 U per patient per vocal fold (total 8.4 U per patient), and for patients with abductor spasmodic dysphonia, it was 4.6 U per patient. CONCLUSION: Our audit revealed that 80 per cent of the spasmodic dysphonia patients were male, which contrasts dramatically with international studies, wherein around 80 per cent of spasmodic dysphonia patients were female. Our study also revealed a higher dose titration of botulinum toxin for the Indian spasmodic dysphonia population in both adductor and abductor spasmodic dysphonia cases.

Office-based botulinum toxin injections.

Botulinum toxin injections are an effective treatment option for several laryngeal disorders. This article reviews the indications, procedural techniques, potential complications, and outcomes of Botox injections for laryngeal disorders.

Surgery or botulinum toxin for adductor spasmodic dysphonia: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, botulinum toxin (Botox) injection is the standard of treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). We sought to compare the outcome of selective laryngeal adductor denervation-reinnervation (SLAD-R) surgery for ADSD to that of Botox injections. METHODS: Patient-oriented measures (VHI-10) and objective single-blinded gradings of digital voice recordings were utilized as outcome measures. The surgical cohort, recruited by retrospective patient selection, consisted of 77 patients with a mean follow-up time of 7.54 +/- 2.55 years (range, 2.2 to 14.2 years). The injection cohort, recruited prospectively, included 28 patients with a mean follow-up time of 46.37 +/- 5.51 days (range, 36 to 54 days). RESULTS: As measured by the VHI-10, the surgical patients had significantly improved voice handicap outcome scores (mean, 14.4 +/- 13.6) as compared to the patients who had Botox injection (mean, 26.5 +/- 12.1; p = 0.001). Aside from VHI-10 item 2, the surgical group demonstrated significantly improved voice-related function on each VHI-10 component (p = 0.01). Within the injection subgroup, 88% agreed that Botox successfully treats their ADSD, yet only 63% agreed that Botox improves their speech consistently. Within the surgical subgroup, 82% would recommend this surgery to others, and 78% agreed that their voice was actually better after surgery than after Botox. Objective voice ratings demonstrated similar levels of breathiness and overall voice quality in the treatment subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: When indicated, the SLAD-R surgery for ADSD demonstrates outcomes equal to or superior to those of the current standard of Botox injections.

The point-touch technique for botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: quality of life assessment.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin injection under electromyographic guidance is the 'gold standard' for adductor spasmodic dysphonia treatment. The point-touch technique, an alternative injection method which relies on anatomical landmarks, is cheaper, quicker and more accessible, but has not yet gained widespread acceptance due to concerns about patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To assess swallowing and voice-related quality of life following point-touch botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients. SETTING: Stanford University Voice and Swallowing Center. DESIGN: Prospective case series (evidence level four). METHODS: Consecutive adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients with a stable botulinum toxin dose-response relationship were recruited prospectively. The Eating Assessment Tool and Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaires were completed pre-treatment and at 10 and 30 per cent completion of the injection cycle, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients completed follow up. The mean total botulinum toxin dose was 0.88 units. Pre-treatment Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire results reflected the burden of disease. Post-treatment Eating Assessment Tool and Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire results were collected at 2.53 and 7.84 weeks, respectively; the former showed an increase in dysphagia, albeit statistically insignificant, while the latter showed significantly improved scores (both domain and total). CONCLUSION: The point-touch technique is a viable alternative for botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

A rare association of inlet patch with laryngospasm: a report of two children and literature review.

The inlet patch (IP) is an area of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus commonly seen during upper endoscopy. Although generally asymptomatic IP has been associated with esophageal and supraesophageal symptoms and, though rare, in adult with malignant transformation. We describe two cases of recurrent episodes of laryngospasm associated with IP. In both cases there was a good response to prolonged acid suppression therapy.

Botulinum toxin treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia: longitudinal functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is a well-established symptomatic treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD). Injections may be followed by a period of muscle weakness characterized by breathiness, voice weakness, and dysphagia for liquids. A recent study described some detriment and limited functional improvement with "good voice" for only one-third of the period between successive injections. Our objective was to examine the longitudinal effect of BoNT treatment for AdSD upon functional outcomes and quality of life when using a patient-specific dosing regimen. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients presenting for BoNT treatment of AdSD were asked to complete evaluation of voice function after each injection using the percentage of normal function (PNF) scale (daily for two weeks, then weekly). Other parameters measured included voice handicap index (VHI), duration of effect, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients treated continuously between January 2006 and January 2009 with an individuated regime (dose, pattern, and schedule) were included. Of 1,457 treatments, 50.9% experienced some breathiness. Mean VHI improvement was 9.6%. Mean PNF improvement was 30.3%. There was correlation between the two scales. Dysphagia to liquids was reported after 14.2% of treatments. We describe two distinct types of functional outcome curve. A total of 28.5% of treatments were followed by initial functional decline. Mean time below baseline function was 5.7%. Mean proportion of time in plateau phase was 42.5%. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider longitudinal functional outcomes in BoNT treatment of AdSD. An individuated dosing regimen helps minimize side effects and maximize functional and quality-of-life outcomes.

Use of botulinum toxin type A for chronic cough: a neuropathic model.

OBJECTIVE: To review the experience and outcomes of a novel use of botulinum toxin type A (BtxA) in the treatment of chronic cough. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Academic referral center. PATIENTS: A total of 438 patients were diagnosed as having laryngeal spasm and chronic cough, and 6 were documented as having chronic cough treated with BtxA injections. Two patients were excluded from the study because of a history of tracheostomy or concurrent laryngeal and voice dysfunction. INTERVENTION: Electromyography-guided BtxA injections of the thyroarytenoid muscles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics (age and sex), voice-related quality-of-life scores, postprocedure complications, number of BtxA units used, number and length of treatments, and voice outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS: Three of the 4 patients (75%) were women, and the mean patient age was 55.6 years (range, 38-64 years). All patients had significant relief of cough after BtxA injection, with complete resolution after a median of 7 injections (range, 4-16), using a mean dose of 4.0 U (range, 1.0-10.0 U) per treatment session for a mean duration of 25.7 months (range, 7.2-42.9 months). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported series in the literature of the use of BtxA in the treatment of chronic cough in adults. In this small case series, we report a neuropathic model for chronic cough caused by neuroplastic changes and laryngeal hyperactivity as an explanation for the effectiveness of BtxA treatment. Further research and long-term follow-up are warranted, but BtxA is effective in directly decreasing laryngeal hypertonicity and possibly reducing neurogenic inflammation and neuropeptide-mediated cough. Botulinum toxin type A can be considered for the treatment of chronic cough refractory to other medical therapies.