Safety and efficacy comparison of remimazolam and propofol for intravenous anesthesia during gastroenteroscopic surgery of older patients:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Remimazolam is characterized by rapid action and inactive metabolites.It is used as the general anesthetic for many clinical surgeries.In this study,we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether remimazolam is superior to propofol for gastroenteroscopy in older patients.AIM To compare the adverse events and efficacy of remimazolam and propofol during gastroenteroscopy in older adults.METHODS The PubMed,Web of Science,the Cochrane Library databases were queried for the relevant key words"remimazolam,""and propofol,""and gastrointestinal endoscopy or gastroscopy."The search scope was"Title and Abstract,"and the search was limited to human studies and publications in English.Seven studies wherein remimazolam and propofol were compared were included for the metaanalysis.RESULTS We selected seven randomized controlled trials involving 1445 cases for the analysis.Remimazolam reduced the hypotension(relative risk,RR=0.44,95%CI:0.29-0.66,P=0.000),respiratory depression(RR=0.46,95%CI:0.30-0.70,P=0.000),injection pain(RR=0.12,95%CI:0.05-0.25,P=0.000),bradycardia(RR=0.37,95%CI:0.24-0.58,P=0.000),and time to discharge[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-0.58,95%CI:-0.97 to-0.18,P=0.005],compared to those after propofol administration.No obvious differences were observed for postoperative nausea and vomiting(RR=1.09,95%CI:0.97-1.24,P=0.151),dizziness(RR=0.77,95%CI:0.43-1.36,P=0.361),successful sedation rate(RR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-1.00,P=0.083),or the time to become fully alert(WMD=0.00,95%CI:-1.08-1.08,P=0.998).CONCLUSION Remimazolam appears to be safer than propofol for gastroenteroscopy in older adults.However,further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam in bronchoscopic sedation:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Remimazolam is a new benzodiazepine used for procedural sedation and general anesthesia.Several studies have used remimazolam for bendable bronchoscopy.AIM To assess the safety and efficacy of remimazolam for sedation in patients undergoing bendable bronchoscopy by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS We searched the EMBASE,PubMed,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases for RCTs on bendable bronchoscopic procedural sedation with remimazolam vs conventional sedatives(CS).RESULTS Five studies with 1080 cases were included.Remimazolam had the same sedation success rate compared with CS[relative risk(RR):1.35,95%CI:0.60-3.05,P=0.474,I2=99.6%].However,remimazolam was associated with a lower incidence of hypotension(RR:0.61;95%CI:0.40-0.95,P=0.027;I2=65.1%)and a lower incidence of respiratory depression(RR:0.50,95%CI:0.33-0.77,P=0.002,I2=42.3%).A subgroup analysis showed a higher success rate of sedation with remimazolam than midazolam(RR:2.45,95%CI:1.76-3.42,P<0.001).Compared with propofol,the incidence of hypotension(RR:0.45,95%CI:0.32-0.64,P<0.001,I2=0.0%),respiratory depression(RR:0.48,95%CI:0.30-0.76,P=0.002,I2=78.4%),hypoxemia(RR:0.36,95%CI:0.15-0.87,P=0.023),and injection pain(RR:0.04,95%CI:0.01-0.28,P=0.001)were lower.CONCLUSION Remimazolam is safe and effective during bronchoscopy.The sedation success rate was similar to that in the CS group.However,remimazolam has a higher safety profile,with fewer inhibitory effects on respiration and circulation.

Brain protective effect of dexmedetomidine vs propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in non-brain injured patients

BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine and propofol are two sedatives used for long-term sedation.It remains unclear whether dexmedetomidine provides superior cerebral protection for patients undergoing long-term mechanical ventilation.AIM To compare the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury.METHODS Patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for>72 h were randomly assigned to receive sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol.The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale(RASS)was used to evaluate sedation effects,with a target range of-3 to 0.The primary outcomes were serum levels of S100-βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE)every 24 h.The secondary outcomes were remifentanil dosage,the proportion of patients requiring rescue sedation,and the time and frequency of RASS scores within the target range.RESULTS A total of 52 and 63 patients were allocated to the dexmedetomidine group and propofol group,respectively.Baseline data were comparable between groups.No significant differences were identified between groups within the median duration of study drug infusion[52.0(IQR:36.0-73.5)h vs 53.0(IQR:37.0-72.0)h,P=0.958],the median dose of remifentanil[4.5(IQR:4.0-5.0)μg/kg/h vs 4.6(IQR:4.0-5.0)μg/kg/h,P=0.395],the median percentage of time in the target RASS range without rescue sedation[85.6%(IQR:65.8%-96.6%)vs 86.7%(IQR:72.3%-95.3),P=0.592],and the median frequency within the target RASS range without rescue sedation[72.2%(60.8%-91.7%)vs 73.3%(60.0%-100.0%),P=0.880].The proportion of patients in the dexmedetomidine group who required rescue sedation was higher than in the propofol group with statistical significance(69.2%vs 50.8%,P=0.045).Serum S100-βand NSE levels in the propofol group were higher than in the dexmedetomidine group with statistical significance during the first six and five days of mechanical ventilation,respectively(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dexmedetomidine demonstrated stronger protective effects on the brain compared to propofol for long-term mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury.

Propofol sedation in routine endoscopy:A case series comparing target controlled infusion vs manually controlled bolus concept

BACKGROUND Many studies have addressed safety and effectiveness of non-anaesthesiologist propofol sedation(NAPS)for gastrointestinal(GI)endoscopy Target controlled infusion(TCI)is claimed to provide an optimal sedation regimen by avoiding under-or oversedation.AIM To assess safety and performance of propofol TCI sedation in comparison with nurse-administered bolus-sedation.METHODS Fouty-five patients undergoing endoscopy under TCI propofol sedation were prospectively included from November 2016 to May 2017 and compared to 87 patients retrospectively included that underwent endoscopy with NAPS.Patients were matched for age and endoscopic procedure.We recorded time of sedation and endoscopy,dosage of medication and adverse events.RESULTS There was a significant reduction in dose per time of propofol administered in the TCI group,compared to the NAPS group(8.2±2.7 mg/min vs 9.3±3.4 mg/min;P=0.046).The time needed to provide adequate sedation levels was slightly but significantly lower in the control group(5.3±2.7 min vs 7.7±3.3 min;P<0.001),nonetheless the total endoscopy time was similar in both groups.No differences between TCI and bolus-sedation was observed for mean total-dosage of propofol rate as well as adverse events.CONCLUSION This study indicates that sedation using TCI for GI endoscopy reduces the dose of propofol necessary per minute of endoscopy.This may translate into less adverse events.However,further and randomized trials need to confirm this trend.

Remimazolam for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy:A comprehensive review

Worldwide,a majority of routine endoscopic procedures are performed under some form of sedation to maximize patient comfort.Propofol,benzodiazepines and opioids continue to be widely used.However,in recent years,Remimazolam is gaining immense popularity for procedural sedation in gastrointestinal(GI)endoscopy.It is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine sedative which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2020 for use in procedural sedation.Remimazolam has shown a favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in terms of its non-specific metabolism by tissue esterase,volume of distribution,total body clearance,and negligible drug-drug interactions.It also has satisfactory efficacy and has achieved high rates of successful sedation in GI endoscopy.Furthermore,studies have demonstrated that the efficacy of Remimazolam is non-inferior to Propofol,which is currently a gold standard for procedural sedation in most parts of the world.However,the use of Propofol is associated with hemodynamic instability and respiratory depression.In contrast,Remimazolam has lower incidence of these adverse effects intra-procedurally and hence,may provide a safer alternative to Propofol in procedural sedation.In this comprehensive narrative review,highlight the pharmacologic characteristics,efficacy,and safety of Remimazolam for procedural sedation.We also discuss the potential of Remimazolam as a suitable alternative and how it can shape the future of procedural sedation in gastroenterology.

Sedation reversal trends at outpatient ambulatory endoscopic center vs in-hospital ambulatory procedure center using a triage protocol

BACKGROUND Routine outpatient endoscopy is performed across a variety of outpatient settings.A known risk of performing endoscopy under moderate sedation is the potential for over-sedation,requiring the use of reversal agents.More needs to be reported on rates of reversal across different outpatient settings.Our academic tertiary care center utilizes a triage tool that directs higher-risk patients to the in-hospital ambulatory procedure center(APC)for their procedure.Here,we report data on outpatient sedation reversal rates for endoscopy performed at an inhospital APC vs at a free-standing ambulatory endoscopy digestive health center(AEC-DHC)following risk stratification with a triage tool.AIM To observe the effect of risk stratification using a triage tool on patient outcomes,primarily sedation reversal events.METHODS We observed all outpatient endoscopy procedures performed at AEC-DHC and APC from April 2013 to September 2019.Procedures were stratified to their respective sites using a triage tool.We evaluated each procedure for which sedation reversal with flumazenil and naloxone was recorded.Demographics and characteristics recorded include patient age,gender,body mass index(BMI),American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)classification,procedure type,and reason for sedation reversal.RESULTS There were 97366 endoscopic procedures performed at AEC-DHC and 22494 at the APC during the study period.Of these,17 patients at AEC-DHC and 9 at the APC underwent sedation reversals(0.017%vs 0.04%;P=0.06).Demographics recorded for those requiring reversal at AEC-DHC vs APC included mean age(53.5±21 vs 60.4±17.42 years;P=0.23),ASA class(1.66±0.48 vs 2.22±0.83;P=0.20),BMI(27.7±6.7 kg/m^(2) vs 23.7±4.03 kg/m^(2);P=0.06),and female gender(64.7%vs 22%;P=0.04).The mean doses of sedative agents and reversal drugs used at AEC-DHC vs APC were midazolam(5.9±1.7 mg vs 8.9±3.5 mg;P=0.01),fentanyl(147.1±49.9μg vs 188.9±74.1μg;P=0.10),flumazenil(0.3±0.18μg vs 0.17±0.17μg;P=0.13)and naloxone(0.32±0.10 mg vs 0.28±0.12 mg;P=0.35).Procedures at AEC-DHC requiring sedation reversal included colonoscopies(n=6),esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)(n=9)and EGD/colonoscopies(n=2),whereas APC procedures included EGDs(n=2),EGD with gastrostomy tube placement(n=1),endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(n=2)and endoscopic ultrasound's(n=4).The indications for sedation reversal at AEC-DHC included hypoxia(n=13;76%),excessive somnolence(n=3;18%),and hypotension(n=1;6%),whereas,at APC,these included hypoxia(n=7;78%)and hypotension(n=2;22%).No sedation-related deaths or long-term post-sedation reversal adverse outcomes occurred at either site.CONCLUSION Our study highlights the effectiveness of a triage tool used at our tertiary care hospital for risk stratification in minimizing sedation reversal events during outpatient endoscopy procedures.Using a triage tool for risk stratification,low rates of sedation reversal can be achieved in the ambulatory settings for EGD and colonoscopy.

Effect of Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) Extract on the TXNIP/NLRP3 Pathway in Insomniac Rats

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Suan Zao Ren(Semen Ziziphi Spinosae,SZS)extract on insomnia induced by p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)in rats and its influence on the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding domain Leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway,and to preliminarily explore themechanism by which SZS extract improves insomnia.Methods Fifty male Sprague–Dawley(SD)rats were used,with 8 rats in the blank group and 42 rats in the modeling group.The modeling group was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA at a dose of 500mg·kg^(-1) for six consecutive days,with daily cage exchange.After 6 days,40 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into five groups:themodel group(equal volume of distilled water),the positive group(0.75 mg·kg^(-1)),and low-,medium-,and high-dose SZS extract groups(1.5,3,and 6 g·kg^(-1),respectively),with 8 rats in each group.Treatments were administered for seven consecutive days.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in the rat cerebral cortex.The thiobarbituric acid(TBA)method was used to determine malondialdehyde(MDA)levels,and the hydroxylamine method was used to determine superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels.The 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)method was used to measure total antioxidant capacity(TAOC)in the cerebral cortex.Pathological changes in the cerebral cortex were observed,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TXNIP,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a Caspase activation and recruitment domain(CARD),and cysteine–aspartate-specific protease 1(Caspase-1)in the cerebral cortex.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed a significantly prolonged sleep latency(p<0.001)and a significantly shortened sleep duration(p<0.001).There were no changes in serum MDA and SOD levels.MDA levels in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(p<0.001),while SOD and TAOC levels were significantly decreased(p<0.001).The 5-HT level was increased(p<0.05),and the GABA level was significantly decreased(p<0.001).SZS extract improved these conditions to varying degrees.Light microscopy showed no significant changes in cortical neurons but transmission electron microscopy revealed intact mitochondrial structures in the blank group,while the model group showed swollen and unclear mitochondria with reduced organelles.After 7 days of treatment,these conditions improved in the SZS extract groups.Compared with the blank group,the expressions of the four proteins in the model group were increased,and the expressions of these proteins were decreased in the SZS extract groups compared with the model group.Conclusion SZS extract may exert an antioxidant effect to treat insomnia by downregulating the expression of TXNIP/NLRP3 proteins and regulating oxidative stress levels in the cerebral cortex.

Inhaled volatile anesthetics in the intensive care unit

The discovery and utilization of volatile anesthetics has significantly transformed surgical practices since their inception in the mid-19th century.Recently,a paradigm shift is observed as volatile anesthetics extend beyond traditional confines of the operating theatres,finding diverse applications in intensive care settings.In the dynamic landscape of intensive care,volatile anesthetics emerge as a promising avenue for addressing complex sedation requirements,managing refractory lung pathologies including acute respiratory distress syndrome and status asthmaticus,conditions of high sedative requirements including burns,high opioid or alcohol use and neurological conditions such as status epilepticus.Volatile anesthetics can be administered through either inhaled route via anesthetic machines/devices or through extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuitry,providing intensivists with multiple options to tailor therapy.Furthermore,their unique pharmacokinetic profiles render them titratable and empower clinicians to individualize management with heightened accuracy,mitigating risks associated with conventional sedation modalities.Despite the amounting enthusiasm for the use of these therapies,barriers to widespread utilization include expanding equipment availability,staff familiarity and training of safe use.This article delves into the realm of applying inhaled volatile anesthetics in the intensive care unit through discussing their pharmacology,administration considerations in intensive care settings,complication considerations,and listing indications and evidence of the use of volatile anesthetics in the critically ill patient population.

Remimazolam in intensive care unit:Potential applications and considerations

This manuscript explores the potential use of Remimazolam in the intensive care unit(ICU)and critical care units,considering its pharmacological characteristics,clinical applications,advantages,and comparative effectiveness over current sedatives and anesthetics.We reviewed existing PubMed and Google Scholar literature to find relevant studies on Remimazolam in ICU.We created search criteria using a combination of free text words,including Remimazolam,critical care,intensive care,sedation,anesthesia,pharmacokinetics,and pharmacodynamics.Relevant articles published in the English language were analyzed and incorporated.Remimazolam is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine derivative promising for sedation and anesthesia.It is a safer option for hemodynamically unstable,elderly,or liver or kidney issues.It also has comparable deep sedation properties to propofol in the ICU.Furthermore,it reduces post-procedural delirium and patient comfort and reduces the need for additional sedatives in pediatric patients.In conclusion,Remimazolam is an excellent alternative to current sedatives and anesthetics in the ICU.Its cost is comparable to that of current medications.Further research on its long-term safety in the ICU and its broader application and incorporation into routine use is necessary.

Between Euthanasia and Dysthanasia: The Ethical Issue of Sedation in the Terminal Phase of Illness

Background: Deep sedation, euthanasia and therapeutic relentlessness lead us today to rethink the paradigm of life and the contingency of human existence. Between therapeutic relentlessness, the unreasonable care which uses heavy therapeutic means which are often disproportionate to the expected benefit, namely keeping alive a patient whose condition is considered medically hopeless;and euthanasia which would precipitate the process of death would be sedation in the terminal phase of the illness. Should doctors and families of comatose patients decide the “life” and “death” of their patients? For anti-euthanasia associations, doctors, relatives of terminally ill patients and the State itself, if they accept the principle of euthanasia, they are “murderers”, while for pro-euthanasists, the dignity of the human being would recommend that the days of patients in situations considered critical be shortened, to avoid unnecessary suffering and humiliation. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out to identify relevant articles relating to euthanasia, dysthanasia and sedation in the terminal phase of illness. The search was conducted in French or English in three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Objectives: The objectives of this article are: 1) define the terminologies and concepts of palliative sedation, deep sedation, deep and continuous sedation until death, euthanasia and dysthanasia;2) present aspects of the meaning of life and the human person in African cultures;and 3) propose an ethical reflection on the value of life. Results: After precisely defining the concepts of euthanasia, dysthanasia and sedation, this research presented the African anthropological and ethical approach to the mysteries of life and death. Conclusion: With this in mind, the golden rule of medicine always remains as such “Primum non nocere”.

Postoperative Sedation Options in ICU

This paper examines sedation options in ICU postoperative care. It highlights the necessity of sedation for patients’ physical and mental comfort, safety, and reduction of delirium. The article advocates light sedation, primarily with non-benzodiazepines like propofol or dexmedetomidine, to improve outcomes. It introduces novel sedatives like ciprofol and remimazolam, suggesting they may be future alternatives in ICU sedation, although more research is needed.

Impact of Sedation Protocols on Elderly Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation and Off-Line Weaning

The proportion of elderly patients in intensive care is increasing, and a significant proportion of them require mechanical ventilation. How to implement safe and effective mechanical ventilation for elderly patients, and when appropriate off-line is an important issue in the field of critical care medicine. Appropriate sedation can improve patient outcomes, but excessive sedation may lead to prolonged mechanical ventilation and increase the risk of complications. Elderly patients should be closely monitored and evaluated on an individual basis while offline, and the sedation regimen should be dynamically adjusted. This requires the healthcare team to consider the patient’s sedation needs, disease status, and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug to arrive at the best strategy. Although the current research has provided valuable insights and strategies for sedation and off-line management, there are still many problems to be further explored and solved.

不同背景量舒芬太尼用于术后患者静脉自控镇痛

目的观察不同背景量舒芬太尼用于术后患者静脉自控镇痛的镇痛效果与不良反应。方法将60例择期全麻下行上腹部或开胸手术的患者随机分为3组,每组20例,分别使用背景量为0.001μg.kg-1.m in-1(S1组);0.000 5μg.kg-1.m in-1(S2组);0μg.kg-1.m in-1(S3组)的舒芬太尼,分别在术后6,24及48 h记录患者的视觉模拟法(VAS)评分,包括静息状态和运动状态,用药量、其他镇痛药的使用情况、不良反应发生情况及各项生命体征。结果S1组在静息状态下的VAS评分与S2组的静息评分相当(P>0.05),低于S3组(P<0.05)。S1组在运动状态下的VAS评分低于S2组(P<0.05)及S3组(P<0.01),恶心呕吐发生率S3<S1<S2,其他生命体征差异无显著性。满意度S1>S2>S3。结论术后患者静脉自控镇痛选择背景量为0.001 mg.kg-1.m in-1镇痛效果最好,恶心呕吐的发生率居中,患者使用的满意度最高,值得临床推广。

Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Tartary Buckwheat Ethanol Extract

[Objective]The aim was to study the sedative and hypnotic effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract and lay a foundation for further expanding the application of Tartary Buckwheat. [Method]The effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract on pentobarbital sodium and mice spontaneous action times were recorded. [Result]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat could prolong mice sleep duration caused by pentobarbital sodium （suprathreshold dosage）,increase mice sleep number caused by pentobarbital sodium （subthreshold dosage）,and obviously inhibit mice spontaneous action times. [Conclusion]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat has a function of sedation.

Study on Sedation of Dried Ginger

[Objective] The experiment aimed to explore sedation of dried ginger.[Method] By compared the experimental results before and after intragastric administration,the influences of decoction of dried ginger at different concentrations(1,2,3 mg/ml)on locomotor activities of white mice.[Result]When the decoction of dried ginger was 1 g/ml,the time of free movements and the number of raising forelimbs of mice were obviously detained(2.5 h after intragastric administration).When the decoction of dried ginger was 2 g/ml,the time of free movements and the number of raising forelimbs of mice were obviously influenced however the inhibition time is short than that of 1 g/ml.When the decoction of dried ginger was 3 g/ml,the inhibition is not obvious.[Conclusion] Dried ginger had some sedation effect which was related to its dosage.

Synthesis of Sedative-hypnotic Zopiclone Analogues

Eight new cyclopyrrolone compounds were synthesized according to the structure activity relationship and action mechanism of Zopiclone, a cyclopyrrolone hypnotic. Their preliminary pharmacodynamics are under investigation.

Sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy: Current issues

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy can successfully be performed by applying moderate(conscious) sedation.Moderate sedation,using midazolam and an opioid,is the standard method of sedation,although propofol is increasingly being used in many countries because the satisfaction of endoscopists with propofol sedation is greater compared with their satisfaction with conventional sedation.Moreover,the use of propofol is currently preferred for the endoscopic sedation of patients with advanced liver disease due to its short biologic half-life and,consequently,its low risk of inducing hepatic encephalopathy.In the future,propofol could become the preferred sedation agent,especially for routine colonoscopy.Midazolam is the benzodiazepine of choice because of its shorter duration of action and better pharmacokinetic profile compared with diazepam.Among opioids,pethidine and fentanyl are the most popular.A number of other substances have been tested in several clinical trials with promising results.Among them,newer opioids,such as remifentanil,enable a faster recovery.The controversy regarding the administration of sedation by an endoscopist or an experienced nurse,as well as the optimal staffing of en-doscopy units,continues to be a matter of discussion.Safe sedation in special clinical circumstances,such as in the cases of obese,pregnant,and elderly individuals,as well as patients with chronic lung,renal or liver disease,requires modification of the dose of the drugs used for sedation.In the great majority of patients,sedation under the supervision of a properly trained endoscopist remains the standard practice worldwide.In this review,an overview of the current knowledge concerning sedation during digestive endoscopy will be provided based on the data in the current literature.

Clinical analysis of propofol deep sedation for 1,104 patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures:A three year prospective study

AIM： To analyze the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of propofol on patients undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy. METHODS： In this prospective study, conducted over a period of three years, 1,104 patients referred for a same day GI endoscopy procedure were analyzed. All patients were given a propofol bolus （0.5-1.5 mg/kg）. Arterial blood pressure （BP） was monitored at 3 rain intervals and heart rate and oxygen saturation （SpO2） were recorded continuously by pulse oximetry. Analyzed data acquisition was carried out before, during, and after the procedure. RESULTS： A statistically significant reduction in mean arterial pressure was demonstrated （P〈0.001） when compared to pre-intervention values, but severe hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure below 60mmHg, was noted in only 5 patients （0.5%）. Oxygen saturation decreased from 96.5% to 94.4 % （P〈0.001）. A critical decrease in oxygen saturation （〈90%） was documented in 27 patients （2.4%）. CONCLUSION： Our results showed that propofol provided good sedation with excellent pain control, a short recovery time and no significant hemodynamic side effelts if carefully titrated. All the patients （and especially ASA Ⅲ group） require monitoring and care of an anesthesiologist.

Deep sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy: Propofol-fentanyl and midazolam-fentanyl regimens

AIM: To compare deep sedation with propofol-fentanyl and midazolam-fentanyl regimens during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: After obtaining approval of the research ethics committee and informed consent, 200 patients were evaluated and referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were randomized to receive propofol-fentanyl or midazolam-fentanyl (n = 100/group).We assessed the level of sedation using the observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) score and bispectral index (BIS). We evaluated patient and physician satisfaction, as well as the recovery time and complication rates. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software and included the MannWhitney test, χ 2 test, measurement of analysis of variance, and the κ statistic. RESULTS: The times to induction of sedation, recovery, and discharge were shorter in the propofolfentanyl group than the midazolam-fentanyl group. According to the OAA/S score, deep sedation events occurred in 25% of the propofol-fentanyl group and 11% of the midazolam-fentanyl group (P = 0.014). Additionally, deep sedation events occurred in 19% of the propofol-fentanyl group and 7% of the midazolamfentanyl group according to the BIS scale (P = 0.039). There was good concordance between the OAA/S score and BIS for both groups (κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.63, respectively). Oxygen supplementation was required in 42% of the propofol-fentanyl group and 26% of the midazolam-fentanyl group (P = 0.025). The mean time to recovery was 28.82 and 44.13 min in the propofolfentanyl and midazolam-fentanyl groups, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no severe complications in either group. Although patients were equally satisfied with both drug combinations, physicians were more satisfied with the propofol-fentanyl combination. CONCLUSION: Deep sedation occurred with propofolfentanyl and midazolam-fentanyl, but was more frequent in the former. Recovery was faster in the propofol-fentanyl group.

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy:An unresolved issue

Management of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is based on expert opinion only,due to geographic and ethic variations.Nonbiliary causes should be sought as they are associated with worse outcomes.Alcohol as a cause of acute pancreatitis is not rare.Hemoconcentration as a marker of fluid def icit and severity should be predicted with caution and fluid resuscitation should be done carefully by closely monitoring the central venous pressure,cardiac and respiratory system.Hypercalcemia of hyperparathyroidism may be falsely lowered due to hypoalbuminemia or suppressed by magnesium tocolysis.