Effect of Esketamine Applied in Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy on Negative Postoperative Behavioral Changes of Children

Background: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is currently the most commonly used invasive examination method in clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of esketamine administration during fiberoptic bronchoscopy on the occurrence of negative postoperative behavioral changes (NPOBCs) in children. Methods: Ninety children undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were enrolled and randomly assigned to 3 groups: the control group (group C, n = 30), treatment group 1 (group D1, n = 30), and treatment group 2 (group D2, n = 30). Group C received intratracheal surface anesthesia and sevoflurane inhalation, along with an intravenous injection of 5 mL of normal saline. Group D1 received intratracheal surface anesthesia and sevoflurane inhalation in addition to an intravenous injection of 0.5 mg/kg of esketamine diluted to 5 mL. Group D2 received intratracheal surface anesthesia and sevoflurane inhalation, with an intravenous injection of 0.75 mg/kg of esketamine diluted to 5 mL. Results: The incidence of NPOBCs was lower in groups D1 and D2 compared to group C at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days after the examination (P < 0.05). The pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scores were lower in groups D1 and D2 than in group C, with group D2 scoring lower than group D1 (P < 0.05). Groups D1 and D2 had a longer time to awaken than group C (P < 0.05), with group D2 having a longer time than group D1. The face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scores in groups D1 and D2 were significantly lower than in group C, and group D2 had a lower score than group D1 (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was lower in groups D1 and D2 compared to group C, and the rate was even lower in group D2 than in group D1 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Administration of esketamine at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg may yield better clinical outcomes.