Airway management in pediatric patients with anticipated difficult airways (DA) remains challenging. The ketamine–dexmedetomidine combination offers a promising strategy, providing reliable sedation while maintaining respiratory function.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients with anticipated DA managed at a Portuguese tertiary hospital (January 2023–January 2025). Sedation followed a standardized ketamine–dexmedetomidine protocol with incremental intravenous boluses. Sedation quality was assessed with the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS), electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns, and a cough index. Primary outcomes were adequate sedation (UMSS >2) and optimal intubation conditions (cough ≤2). Secondary outcomes included respiratory or hemodynamic adverse events.
Results
Ten pediatric patients (median age 1.0y; IQR 0.8–4.0) were included. 90 % of patients achieved adequate sedation. No patient had a cough score >2 during intubation. One brief desaturation (<10 s) and one bradycardia, unrelated to hypoxemia, occurred; no laryngospasm, bronchospasm, or sedation failure occurred.
Conclusion
Unlike previous case reports, this series demonstrates reproducible use of a standardized ketamine–dexmedetomidine protocol across a range of pediatric DA scenarios. By combining clinical scales, EEG monitoring, and airway reactivity metrics, our findings suggest that ketamine–dexmedetomidine may represent a feasible and potentially safe sedation strategy for this high-risk population.
{"title":"Ketamine–Dexmedetomidine sedation for pediatric difficult airway management: A case series from a Portuguese tertiary hospital","authors":"José Moreira , Cátia Martins , Rita Castro Fernandes , Patrícia Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Airway management in pediatric patients with anticipated difficult airways (DA) remains challenging. The ketamine–dexmedetomidine combination offers a promising strategy, providing reliable sedation while maintaining respiratory function.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients with anticipated DA managed at a Portuguese tertiary hospital (January 2023–January 2025). Sedation followed a standardized ketamine–dexmedetomidine protocol with incremental intravenous boluses. Sedation quality was assessed with the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS), electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns, and a cough index. Primary outcomes were adequate sedation (UMSS >2) and optimal intubation conditions (cough ≤2). Secondary outcomes included respiratory or hemodynamic adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten pediatric patients (median age 1.0y; IQR 0.8–4.0) were included. 90 % of patients achieved adequate sedation. No patient had a cough score >2 during intubation. One brief desaturation (<10 s) and one bradycardia, unrelated to hypoxemia, occurred; no laryngospasm, bronchospasm, or sedation failure occurred.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Unlike previous case reports, this series demonstrates reproducible use of a standardized ketamine–dexmedetomidine protocol across a range of pediatric DA scenarios. By combining clinical scales, EEG monitoring, and airway reactivity metrics, our findings suggest that ketamine–dexmedetomidine may represent a feasible and potentially safe sedation strategy for this high-risk population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101595"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145364673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The C-MACR D-blade videolaryngoscope provides better visualization of vocal cords via the blade angle, however, stylet is required. This study compares postoperative sore throat (POST), hoarseness, intubation period and ease, subglottic damage (SGD), and hemodynamic changes to orotracheal intubation using different angled (60°-80°-90°) endotracheal tubes (ETT) with C-MACR D-blade videolaryngoscope.
Methods
After Ethics Committee approval and consents taken, study was conducted in Yeditepe University Medical Faculty between June and December 2022. This prospective study involved 162 patients; who were planned to undergo general anesthesia with ASA score I-II (18–65years), randomized into three groups with closed envelope technique. In Group A ETT is bent into 90°, Group B 80° and Group C 60° using stylets. C-MACR D-blade videolaryngoscope was used. Hemodynamic data, intubation period and ease were recorded. SGD was examined with fiberoptic bronchoscope. Patients were evaluated regarding POST and hoarseness at 30 min, 4, 12, and 24 h postoperatively.
Results
Study showed intubation period was longest in Group A and shortest in Group C (p < 0.001). Group B had more POST incidence at 30 min (p = 0.040) and had the highest POST incidence in total 24 h (p = 0.040). There were no difference regarding SGD (p = 0.300) and hoarseness (30th minute p:0.610, 4th hour p:0.350, 12th hour p:0.130 and 24th hour p:0.130). In Group C intubations were easiest according to modified intubation difficulty scale (p = 0,020) however, hemodynamic response was highest (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
We recommend using 60° angled ETTs in rapid sequence intubations. However, we do not recommend it in the population with low tolerance for hemodynamic instability.
{"title":"Impact of different tube angles on intubation outcomes with C-MACR D-blade videolaryngoscope: A prospective randomized study","authors":"Alkim Gi̇zem Yılmaz Seli̇moğlu , Ezgi̇ Aytaç , Hati̇ce Türe , Ferdi̇ Menda","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The C-MAC<sup>R</sup> D-blade videolaryngoscope provides better visualization of vocal cords via the blade angle, however, stylet is required. This study compares postoperative sore throat (POST), hoarseness, intubation period and ease, subglottic damage (SGD), and hemodynamic changes to orotracheal intubation using different angled (60°-80°-90°) endotracheal tubes (ETT) with C-MAC<sup>R</sup> D-blade videolaryngoscope.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>After Ethics Committee approval and consents taken, study was conducted in Yeditepe University Medical Faculty between June and December 2022. This prospective study involved 162 patients; who were planned to undergo general anesthesia with ASA score I-II (18–65years), randomized into three groups with closed envelope technique. In Group A ETT is bent into 90°, Group B 80° and Group C 60° using stylets. C-MAC<sup>R</sup> D-blade videolaryngoscope was used. Hemodynamic data, intubation period and ease were recorded. SGD was examined with fiberoptic bronchoscope. Patients were evaluated regarding POST and hoarseness at 30 min, 4, 12, and 24 h postoperatively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Study showed intubation period was longest in Group A and shortest in Group C (p < 0.001). Group B had more POST incidence at 30 min (p = 0.040) and had the highest POST incidence in total 24 h (p = 0.040)<strong>.</strong> There were no difference regarding SGD (p = 0.300) and hoarseness (30<sup>th</sup> minute p:0.610, 4<sup>th</sup> hour p:0.350, 12<sup>th</sup> hour p:0.130 and 24<sup>th</sup> hour p:0.130). In Group C intubations were easiest according to modified intubation difficulty scale (p = 0,020) however, hemodynamic response was highest (p < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We recommend using 60° angled ETTs in rapid sequence intubations. However, we do not recommend it in the population with low tolerance for hemodynamic instability.</div></div><div><h3>Clinical trials registration number</h3><div>NCT06011967.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101594"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101592
Leonard Santen , Florian Windler , Mark Coburn , Birgit Bette , Se-Chan Kim , Christian Bode , Philippe Kruse
Introduction
The medical sector is responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative that a transition towards ecological sustainability takes place. Nevertheless, initiatives for healthcare providers to reduce emissions remain limited in clinical practice, and climate-damaging behaviour persists. A salient example is the regular use of desflurane in anaesthesia. In order to promote sustainable clinical practice, the implementation of behavioural decision support mechanisms, so called nudges, could be a promising approach.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted to analyse the effectiveness of nudges to reduce the consumption of desflurane. The nudges comprised structural modifications to the workplace, with desflurane vaporisers being replaced with those for sevoflurane and isoflurane. The effectiveness of the nudges was evaluated by analysis of the desflurane's order volume. In addition, the emissions of greenhouse gases were normalised to the number of surgical procedures performed. Finally, the economic benefit of reduced desflurane consumption was investigated based on the purchase price.
Results
Following the implementation, desflurane was no longer utilised in the long term. Overall, these nudges resulted in a 91 % reduction in emissions of volatile anaesthetics per quarter, equivalent to 219 t CO2e. Consequently, the average greenhouse gas emissions per surgical procedure were reduced by 42.2 kg CO2e. Furthermore, the costs for volatile anaesthetics decreased by 63.9 %, amounting to a reduction of €18,237.28.
Discussion
The implementation of nudges has been demonstrated to lead to a cessation of desflurane consumption, thereby supporting the green transformation of the healthcare sector. In the future, green nudges favouring sustainable clinical practice are poised to assume greater significance as a cost-effective and readily implementable sustainability measure.
{"title":"The long-term influence of green nudges on the consumption of desflurane and on the carbon footprint of general anaesthesia: A retrospective study","authors":"Leonard Santen , Florian Windler , Mark Coburn , Birgit Bette , Se-Chan Kim , Christian Bode , Philippe Kruse","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The medical sector is responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative that a transition towards ecological sustainability takes place. Nevertheless, initiatives for healthcare providers to reduce emissions remain limited in clinical practice, and climate-damaging behaviour persists. A salient example is the regular use of desflurane in anaesthesia. In order to promote sustainable clinical practice, the implementation of behavioural decision support mechanisms, so called nudges, could be a promising approach.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective study was conducted to analyse the effectiveness of nudges to reduce the consumption of desflurane. The nudges comprised structural modifications to the workplace, with desflurane vaporisers being replaced with those for sevoflurane and isoflurane. The effectiveness of the nudges was evaluated by analysis of the desflurane's order volume. In addition, the emissions of greenhouse gases were normalised to the number of surgical procedures performed. Finally, the economic benefit of reduced desflurane consumption was investigated based on the purchase price.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Following the implementation, desflurane was no longer utilised in the long term. Overall, these nudges resulted in a 91 % reduction in emissions of volatile anaesthetics per quarter, equivalent to 219 t CO<sub>2</sub>e. Consequently, the average greenhouse gas emissions per surgical procedure were reduced by 42.2 kg CO<sub>2</sub>e. Furthermore, the costs for volatile anaesthetics decreased by 63.9 %, amounting to a reduction of €18,237.28.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The implementation of nudges has been demonstrated to lead to a cessation of desflurane consumption, thereby supporting the green transformation of the healthcare sector. In the future, green nudges favouring sustainable clinical practice are poised to assume greater significance as a cost-effective and readily implementable sustainability measure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101592"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101591
Sami Olcay Ozbay , Mehmet Yilmaz , Merve Yazici Kara , Ayse Zeynep Turan Civraz , Nurseda Dundar , Ayten Saracoglu , Kemal Tolga Saracoglu
Background
Oxygenation during upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in pediatric patients is essential to prevent hypoxia and complications. High-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNO) effectively improves oxygenation compared to conventional nasal cannula oxygenation (NCO). This study compares the efficacy of HFNO and NCO in minimizing hypoxia during sedation.
Methods
This prospective observational study included 82 pediatric patients aged 4–18 years with ASA scores I or II, all undergoing upper GI endoscopy under sedation. Patients received either HFNO or NCO, maintaining SpO2 above 93 %. The primary outcome was hypoxia incidence, while secondary outcomes included hypoxia duration, minimum SpO2 levels, and recovery measures. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Hypoxia occurred significantly less in the HFNO group (4.9 %) than in the NCO group (22.0 %, p = 0.023). HFNO also led to shorter hypoxia duration and higher minimum SpO2 values (88.5 % vs. 68.4 %, p = 0.034). There were no significant differences in procedure or recovery times, or vomiting rates. The HFNO group maintained better hemodynamic stability, including mean arterial pressure and respiratory rate.
Conclusion
HFNO proved more effective in reducing hypoxia incidence and duration compared to NCO in pediatric patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy. It also enhanced respiratory and hemodynamic stability, indicating its promise as a safer oxygenation method in practice.
{"title":"Comparison of the efficiency of high flow nasal cannula oxygen and conventional nasal cannula oxygen in pediatric patients under sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy: A prospective observational study","authors":"Sami Olcay Ozbay , Mehmet Yilmaz , Merve Yazici Kara , Ayse Zeynep Turan Civraz , Nurseda Dundar , Ayten Saracoglu , Kemal Tolga Saracoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oxygenation during upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in pediatric patients is essential to prevent hypoxia and complications. High-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNO) effectively improves oxygenation compared to conventional nasal cannula oxygenation (NCO). This study compares the efficacy of HFNO and NCO in minimizing hypoxia during sedation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective observational study included 82 pediatric patients aged 4–18 years with ASA scores I or II, all undergoing upper GI endoscopy under sedation. Patients received either HFNO or NCO, maintaining SpO2 above 93 %. The primary outcome was hypoxia incidence, while secondary outcomes included hypoxia duration, minimum SpO2 levels, and recovery measures. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Hypoxia occurred significantly less in the HFNO group (4.9 %) than in the NCO group (22.0 %, p = 0.023). HFNO also led to shorter hypoxia duration and higher minimum SpO2 values (88.5 % vs. 68.4 %, p = 0.034). There were no significant differences in procedure or recovery times, or vomiting rates. The HFNO group maintained better hemodynamic stability, including mean arterial pressure and respiratory rate.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HFNO proved more effective in reducing hypoxia incidence and duration compared to NCO in pediatric patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy. It also enhanced respiratory and hemodynamic stability, indicating its promise as a safer oxygenation method in practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The recto-intercostal fascial plane block (RIFPB) is a novel ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique intended to provide analgesia for the anterior thoracoabdominal wall, particularly the subxiphoid and epigastric regions. Unlike established modalities such as thoracic epidural, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, or parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB)—which are limited by side-effect profiles or incomplete cranial/epigastric spread—RIFPB seeks to target intercostal nerves in a safe and relatively avascular plane. Early case reports suggest potential benefits in patients undergoing sternotomy or upper abdominal surgery, but the evidence base remains preliminary.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize the current evidence on RIFPB, focusing on its anatomical basis, technical feasibility, clinical applications, dermatomal coverage, and safety considerations.</div></div><div><h3>Eligibility criteria</h3><div>Eligible sources included cadaveric studies, letters, case reports, case series, abstracts, and conceptual reports describing the anatomical spread, technique, or clinical utility of RIFPB. Only studies published in English were considered. Randomized controlled trials were not identified.</div></div><div><h3>Sources of evidence</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from database inception to June 2025. Grey literature, including professional society proceedings (ASRA, ESRA) and preprint servers (medRxiv, Research Square), was also screened.</div></div><div><h3>Charting methods</h3><div>Records were imported into EndNote, then transferred to Rayyan.ai for screening. Duplicates were removed manually. Title/abstract and full-text screening were independently performed by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. A standardized data extraction form (Microsoft Excel) was used to capture study characteristics, technique details, dermatomal coverage, and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten publications were included: six case reports/letters, one cadaveric study, one conceptual description, one case series, and one conference abstract. Most clinical reports described use in cardiac surgery, typically in combination with a PIPB for sternotomy analgesia. Two reports involved upper abdominal surgery. The cadaveric study demonstrated consistent dye spread between T6–T9, supporting the anatomical rationale for epigastric analgesia. Clinical studies variably reported sensory involvement from T5–T11, although testing methods were inconsistent. No randomized controlled trials were identified. Across available evidence, RIFPB was consistently described as technically feasible, safe, and free from major complications, including in pediatric patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>RIFPB appears to be a feasible, anat
背景直肠-肋间筋膜平面阻滞(RIFPB)是一种新型超声引导区域麻醉技术,旨在为前胸腹壁,特别是剑突下和上腹部区域提供镇痛。与诸如胸椎硬膜外阻滞、经腹阻滞或胸骨旁肋间阻滞(PIPB)等已建立的模式不同,这些模式受副作用或颅/腹壁不完全扩张的限制,rifpb寻求在一个安全和相对无血管的平面上靶向肋间神经。早期病例报告表明,接受胸骨切开术或上腹部手术的患者可能受益,但证据基础仍处于初步阶段。本综述旨在系统地绘制和综合目前关于RIFPB的证据,重点关注其解剖学基础、技术可行性、临床应用、皮肤覆盖范围和安全性考虑。合格来源包括尸体研究、信件、病例报告、病例系列、摘要和描述RIFPB解剖分布、技术或临床应用的概念性报告。只考虑了用英语发表的研究。没有确定随机对照试验。证据来源从数据库建立到2025年6月,对PubMed、Embase、Scopus、Cochrane Library和b谷歌Scholar进行了全面检索。灰色文献,包括专业学会会刊(ASRA, ESRA)和预印本服务器(medRxiv, Research Square)也被筛选。绘制图表的方法记录被导入到EndNote,然后转移到Rayyan。我要筛选。已手动删除重复项。标题/摘要和全文筛选由两位审稿人独立完成,差异由共识或第三方审稿人解决。使用标准化数据提取表(Microsoft Excel)捕获研究特征、技术细节、皮肤覆盖和结果。结果共收录文献6篇:病例报告/信函1篇,尸体研究1篇,概念描述1篇,病例系列1篇,会议摘要1篇。大多数临床报告描述了在心脏手术中使用,通常与PIPB联合用于胸骨切开镇痛。两份报告涉及上腹部手术。尸体研究表明T6-T9之间的染色分布一致,支持上腹部镇痛的解剖学原理。尽管测试方法不一致,但临床研究报告T5-T11的感觉受累情况不一。未发现随机对照试验。在现有的证据中,RIFPB一直被描述为技术上可行、安全、无主要并发症,包括在儿科患者中。结论rifpb似乎是一种可行的、解剖学上合理的、潜在的有价值的前胸腹壁阻滞的辅助手段。其提供上腹部镇痛的能力使其成为PIPB和TAP阻滞的补充,特别是在心脏和上腹部手术中。然而,目前的证据仅限于初步的基于病例的报告,没有标准化的结果测量或比较数据。未来的研究应侧重于前瞻性、随机试验,包括经过验证的疼痛评分、阿片类药物消耗指标和安全终点,以确定疗效和普遍性。在此之前,RIFPB应被视为一种实验性但有前途的技术,而不是替代现有模式。
{"title":"Recto-intercostal fascial plane block: A scoping review","authors":"Prashant Sirohiya , Ram Singh , Brajesh Kumar Ratre , Balbir Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The recto-intercostal fascial plane block (RIFPB) is a novel ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique intended to provide analgesia for the anterior thoracoabdominal wall, particularly the subxiphoid and epigastric regions. Unlike established modalities such as thoracic epidural, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, or parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB)—which are limited by side-effect profiles or incomplete cranial/epigastric spread—RIFPB seeks to target intercostal nerves in a safe and relatively avascular plane. Early case reports suggest potential benefits in patients undergoing sternotomy or upper abdominal surgery, but the evidence base remains preliminary.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize the current evidence on RIFPB, focusing on its anatomical basis, technical feasibility, clinical applications, dermatomal coverage, and safety considerations.</div></div><div><h3>Eligibility criteria</h3><div>Eligible sources included cadaveric studies, letters, case reports, case series, abstracts, and conceptual reports describing the anatomical spread, technique, or clinical utility of RIFPB. Only studies published in English were considered. Randomized controlled trials were not identified.</div></div><div><h3>Sources of evidence</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from database inception to June 2025. Grey literature, including professional society proceedings (ASRA, ESRA) and preprint servers (medRxiv, Research Square), was also screened.</div></div><div><h3>Charting methods</h3><div>Records were imported into EndNote, then transferred to Rayyan.ai for screening. Duplicates were removed manually. Title/abstract and full-text screening were independently performed by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. A standardized data extraction form (Microsoft Excel) was used to capture study characteristics, technique details, dermatomal coverage, and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten publications were included: six case reports/letters, one cadaveric study, one conceptual description, one case series, and one conference abstract. Most clinical reports described use in cardiac surgery, typically in combination with a PIPB for sternotomy analgesia. Two reports involved upper abdominal surgery. The cadaveric study demonstrated consistent dye spread between T6–T9, supporting the anatomical rationale for epigastric analgesia. Clinical studies variably reported sensory involvement from T5–T11, although testing methods were inconsistent. No randomized controlled trials were identified. Across available evidence, RIFPB was consistently described as technically feasible, safe, and free from major complications, including in pediatric patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>RIFPB appears to be a feasible, anat","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101590"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101588
Milton Morais Correia Neto , Mauricio Cardoso Paz , Ana Carolina Oliveira Crisóstomo , Isabella Soares Marques Rabelo , Beatriz Guimarães Amorim Luna , Priscila Ferreira de Lima e Souza
Background
Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation provoke a sympathetic surge, leading to transient elevations in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, potentially increasing perioperative cardiovascular risk. Dexmedetomidine and labetalol are both used to attenuate this response, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence comparing their effects on peri-intubation hemodynamic responses.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing dexmedetomidine with labetalol. Primary outcomes were heart rate and systolic blood pressure; secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. Data were analyzed using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework.
Results
Eight randomized trials involving 514 patients were included. Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure at 3, 5, and 10 min post-intubation (mean difference −7.46 to −8.62 mmHg) compared to labetalol; the difference at 1 min (−3.96 mmHg) was not statistically significant. Heart rate was significantly reduced at all timepoints (mean difference −10.59 to −14.05 bpm). Reductions in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were also consistent and statistically significant. Adverse events were infrequently reported. Two studies documented bradycardia and hypotension, with slightly higher rates in the dexmedetomidine group in one study and in the labetalol group in another. The remaining studies reported no adverse events, though definitions varied substantially.
Conclusions
Dexmedetomidine was associated with greater attenuation of the hemodynamic response to intubation compared to labetalol. However, the certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate and safety data were limited. Further high-quality trials are warranted to refine dosing strategies and assess applicability in broader patient populations.
Trial registration
The protocol for this meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251007007).
{"title":"Comparative effects of dexmedetomidine versus labetalol on hemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Milton Morais Correia Neto , Mauricio Cardoso Paz , Ana Carolina Oliveira Crisóstomo , Isabella Soares Marques Rabelo , Beatriz Guimarães Amorim Luna , Priscila Ferreira de Lima e Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation provoke a sympathetic surge, leading to transient elevations in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, potentially increasing perioperative cardiovascular risk. Dexmedetomidine and labetalol are both used to attenuate this response, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence comparing their effects on peri-intubation hemodynamic responses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing dexmedetomidine with labetalol. Primary outcomes were heart rate and systolic blood pressure; secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. Data were analyzed using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE framework.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight randomized trials involving 514 patients were included. Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure at 3, 5, and 10 min post-intubation (mean difference −7.46 to −8.62 mmHg) compared to labetalol; the difference at 1 min (−3.96 mmHg) was not statistically significant. Heart rate was significantly reduced at all timepoints (mean difference −10.59 to −14.05 bpm). Reductions in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were also consistent and statistically significant. Adverse events were infrequently reported. Two studies documented bradycardia and hypotension, with slightly higher rates in the dexmedetomidine group in one study and in the labetalol group in another. The remaining studies reported no adverse events, though definitions varied substantially.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Dexmedetomidine was associated with greater attenuation of the hemodynamic response to intubation compared to labetalol. However, the certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate and safety data were limited. Further high-quality trials are warranted to refine dosing strategies and assess applicability in broader patient populations.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>The protocol for this meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251007007).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101588"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Existing risk prediction tools for acute kidney injury (AKI) have focused on the prediction of AKI occurrence, but few have addressed clinically meaningful outcomes such as the need for dialysis, mortality and kidney recovery. We sought to study the performance of the modified renal angina index (mRAI) for prediction of major adverse kidney events 30 (MAKE30).
Methodology
This prospective single-centre observational study was conducted in the medical ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in India from March 2023 to July 2024. We included consecutive adult ICU patients with hospital stays ≥48 h, excluding those with end-stage kidney disease, prior kidney transplantation, or needing dialysis at admission. The mRAI was calculated 24 h after ICU admission based on condition scores and changes in serum creatinine, as described by Matsuura et al. The primary outcome was MAKE30, a composite of in-hospital mortality, new renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation, or persistent renal dysfunction by discharge or day 30. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was used to assess the performance of the mRAI for MAKE30 prediction and compared with other scores.
Results
Among 750 eligible patients, 326 (43.4 %) experienced MAKE30. The mRAI had an AUROC of 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.70–0.78) for MAKE30 prediction, which was numerically higher than that of the SEA-MAKE score (AUROC 0.70), SOFA score (AUROC 0.70) and APACHE II score (AUROC 0.68).
Conclusion
The mRAI demonstrated good discriminative ability for MAKE30 prediction in critically ill patients. While this may be a promising tool to guide clinical decision-making, further research is warranted.
{"title":"The modified renal angina index and renal outcomes in critically ill patients: a prospective cohort study","authors":"Mohamed Anas P. , Vishal Shanbhag , Attur Ravindra Prabhu , Shankar Prasad Nagaraju , Dharshan Rangaswamy , Srinivas Vinayak Shenoy , Mohan Varadarayanahalli Bhojaraja , Indu Ramachandra Rao","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Existing risk prediction tools for acute kidney injury (AKI) have focused on the prediction of AKI occurrence, but few have addressed clinically meaningful outcomes such as the need for dialysis, mortality and kidney recovery. We sought to study the performance of the modified renal angina index (mRAI) for prediction of major adverse kidney events 30 (MAKE30).</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>This prospective single-centre observational study was conducted in the medical ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in India from March 2023 to July 2024. We included consecutive adult ICU patients with hospital stays ≥48 h, excluding those with end-stage kidney disease, prior kidney transplantation, or needing dialysis at admission. The mRAI was calculated 24 h after ICU admission based on condition scores and changes in serum creatinine, as described by Matsuura et al. The primary outcome was MAKE30, a composite of in-hospital mortality, new renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation, or persistent renal dysfunction by discharge or day 30. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) was used to assess the performance of the mRAI for MAKE30 prediction and compared with other scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 750 eligible patients, 326 (43.4 %) experienced MAKE30. The mRAI had an AUROC of 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.70–0.78) for MAKE30 prediction, which was numerically higher than that of the SEA-MAKE score (AUROC 0.70), SOFA score (AUROC 0.70) and APACHE II score (AUROC 0.68).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The mRAI demonstrated good discriminative ability for MAKE30 prediction in critically ill patients. While this may be a promising tool to guide clinical decision-making, further research is warranted.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: CTRI/2023/04/051884.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101587"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144895438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101585
Sara Neves , Inês Correia , António Carlos Fiuza
Managing one-lung ventilation (OLV) in tracheostomized patients presents distinct challenges due to altered airway anatomy and limited device compatibility, particularly when complete pulmonary exclusion is required. Standard techniques may be inadequate or impractical in such complex cases. This case report describes an adaptation of the EZ-Blocker® in a tracheostomized patient undergoing right lower lobectomy. By strategically adjusting the positioning of the endobronchial cuffs and integrating a continuous aspiration system, successful and complete right lung exclusion was achieved, facilitating ideal surgical exposure. This tailored approach not only preserved airway stability but also minimized the risk of complications associated with alternative methods. Our experience highlights the versatility of the EZ-Blocker® and expands its potential application in nontraditional airway management scenarios, offering a valuable option for anesthesiologists facing similar challenges in thoracic surgery.
{"title":"Beyond the conventional: Adapting the EZ-blocker® for one-lung ventilation in a tracheostomized patient","authors":"Sara Neves , Inês Correia , António Carlos Fiuza","doi":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tacc.2025.101585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Managing one-lung ventilation (OLV) in tracheostomized patients presents distinct challenges due to altered airway anatomy and limited device compatibility, particularly when complete pulmonary exclusion is required. Standard techniques may be inadequate or impractical in such complex cases. This case report describes an adaptation of the EZ-Blocker® in a tracheostomized patient undergoing right lower lobectomy. By strategically adjusting the positioning of the endobronchial cuffs and integrating a continuous aspiration system, successful and complete right lung exclusion was achieved, facilitating ideal surgical exposure. This tailored approach not only preserved airway stability but also minimized the risk of complications associated with alternative methods. Our experience highlights the versatility of the EZ-Blocker® and expands its potential application in nontraditional airway management scenarios, offering a valuable option for anesthesiologists facing similar challenges in thoracic surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":44534,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101585"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144841422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}