Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is used for directly visualizing sites of obstruction among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Owing to the scarcity of data, there is still no consensus on the anesthetic regimen for conducting pediatric DISE.

This paper presents a 5-year-old patient who underwent DISE using an opioid-sparing regimen with dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion.

Simultaneous dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion is a promising opioid-sparing regimen for pediatric DISE.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) against heat stress (HS)-induced oncosis in human skeletal muscle cells (HSKMCs) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A HSKMC model of HS-induced oncosis were established by 43 ℃ water bath for 4 h, and the effects of treatments with 30 μmol/L DEX, ML385 (a Nrf2 inhibitor) +DEX, si-Nrf2+HS, and si-Nrf2+DEX prior to modeling on cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay. Oncosis characteristics were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry. The oxidative stress markers (GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD and ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, energy metabolism, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in the cells were quantified using standard kits, and the expressions of porimin, caspase-3 and Nrf2 pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. RESULTS: HS induced typical oncotic features in HSKMCs including organelle swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolization. DEX pretreatment significantly attenuated these changes, reduced Annexin V⁺/PI⁺ cell ratio and cellular porimin expression, and lowered the levels of ROS and MDA while restoring GSH and SOD levels. DEX pretreatment also significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level, upregulated the expressions of Nrf2, p-Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1, and suppressed the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. The protective effects of DEX were obviously attenuated by interventions with ML385 or si-Nrf2. CONCLUSIONS DEX mitigates HS-induced HSKMC oncosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to relieve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses.
Humans ; Dexmedetomidine/pharmacology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Heat-Shock Response/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; Muscle, Skeletal/cytology* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

The primary intravenous anesthetics employed in clinical practice encompass dexmedetomidine (Dex), propofol, ketamine, etomidate, midazolam, and remimazolam. Apart from their established sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, an increasing body of research has uncovered neuroprotective effects of intravenous anesthetics in various animal and cellular models, as well as in clinical studies. However, there also exists conflicting evidence pointing to the potential neurotoxic effects of these intravenous anesthetics. The role of intravenous anesthetics for neuro on both sides of protection or toxicity has been rarely summarized. Considering the mentioned above, this work aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved both in the central nerve system (CNS) and the peripheral nerve system (PNS) and provide valuable insights into the potential safety and risk associated with the clinical use of intravenous anesthetics.
Animals ; Humans ; Anesthetics, Intravenous/adverse effects* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Propofol ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes/prevention & control* ; Central Nervous System/drug effects* ; Dexmedetomidine

Compared with conventional transdermal drug delivery systems, dissolving microneedles significantly enhance drug bioavailability by penetrating the stratum corneum barrier and achieving intradermal drug delivery. In order to improve the transdermal bioavailability of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, in this study, a novel microneedle delivery system was developed for dexmedetomidine hydrochloride based on 3D printing combined with micro-molding. By systematically optimizing the microneedle geometrical parameters, array arrangement, and preparation process parameters, we determined the optimal ratio of drug-carrying matrix as 15% PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) K90. The microneedles exhibited significant drug loading gradients, with mean content of (209.99±27.56) μg/patch, (405.31±30.31) μg/patch, and (621.61±34.43) μg/patch. They showed a regular pyramidal structure under SEM and handheld electron microscopy, and their mechanical strength allowed effective penetration into the stratum corneum. The surface contact angles were all < 90°, indicating excellent hydrophilicity. The microneedles dissolved completely within 10 min after skin insertion, achieving a cumulative release rate of 90% (Higuchi model, r=0.996) during 2 hours of in vitro transdermal permeation. The cytotoxicity test and hemolysis test verified good biocompatibility. Pharmacodynamic evaluation showed that the microneedle group demonstrated pain-relieving effect within 15 min, with the pain threshold at the time point of 60 min being 3 times that in the transdermal cream group. The microneedle system developed in this study not only offers an efficient drug delivery option for patients but also establishes an innovative platform for rapid percutaneous delivery of hydrophilic drugs, demonstrating significant potential in perioperative pain management.
Dexmedetomidine/pharmacokinetics* ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Needles ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Microinjections/instrumentation* ; Skin Absorption ; Skin/metabolism*

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It may present as airway obstruction in a patient with endobronchial masses. Endobronchial brachytherapy (EBBT) has been shown to provide palliative therapy. It is the insertion of a radioactive material near the mass to reduce tumor size, thereby improving airway obstruction. This is the first case of EBBT done in our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 53-year-old male, 60 kg, ASA Physical Status 2 for hypertension, smoker, malignancy, and previous pulmonary tuberculosis patient, presented with a cough and dyspnea. An endobronchial mass almost obstructing the right mainstem bronchus was seen on a computed tomography (CT) scan. He was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and underwent radiotherapy and erlotinib chemotherapy. On repeat CT scan, there was no noted decrease in the size of the mass. EBBT was suggested, and a multi-disciplinary team was formed for the planned procedure. Pulmonology, radiation oncology, and anesthesiology teams were identified, and thorough planning was done prior to the actual procedure. Three fractions of EBBT were done under sedation using midazolam, fentanyl, and dexmedetomidine infusion. Lidocaine spray and transtracheal block were also performed as adjuncts prior to sedation. The procedure went as planned, and points for improvement were discussed for subsequent fractions. Due to persistent cough and discomfort from the catheter, additional ipratropium nebulization for minimization of secretions, and oral dextromethorphan for cough suppression were incorporated. After each fraction, the patient was monitored post-procedure for any side effects both from the radiotherapy and anesthetic technique. Qualitative reduction in mass size was noted in subsequent fractions. The patient was able to complete 3 fractions and was advised to follow-up after a month. EBBT is an emerging palliative and treatment modality for lung cancer, especially for intraluminal masses. Anesthetic considerations will depend on each case’s characteristics such as airway anatomy, patient comfort and capacity, and procedural requirements. Conscious sedation with topical anesthesia is an adequate and appropriate anesthetic option, especially in cases where severe airway obstruction may compromise ventilation if airway reflexes are blunted. A multidisciplinary approach with different services and stakeholders is important for the proper planning, execution, and management of such patients.
Lung Neoplasms ; Conscious Sedation ; Dexmedetomidine ; Midazolam ; Fentanyl ; Lidocaine ; Dextromethorphan

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of Dexmedetomidine (Dex) and Ketamine (Ket) administered via the intranasal (IN) route on sedation of children aged 0 to 12 years old prior to elective surgery or procedural sedation as compared to Intranasal Dexmedetomidine. Methods: Relevant studies were identified after a literature search on electronic databases as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Meta-analyses of mean differences were performed to examine differences in sedation onset and recovery times between IN Dex-Ket and IN Dex. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed to estimate the incidence of sedation success, satisfactory sedation at parental separation and mask induction, and incidence of adverse events. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Six articles (388 patients) were included. The overall incidence of sedation success was higher among children premedicated with IN Dex-Ket (RR = 1.05; 95%CI = 0.97,1.13; P = 0.27, I2 = 20%) however was not statistically significant. Children given IN Dex-Ket had faster sedation onset time (WMD = -7.17; 95%CI = -12.44, -1.89; P=0.008) with greater incidence of satisfactory sedation at mask induction (RR = 0.71; 95%CI = 0.53, 0.94; P = 0.02). There was no significant difference as to recovery time and incidence of adverse events among the groups. Conclusion Premedication with IN Dex-Ket is as safe as IN Dex but of better efficacy as evidenced by faster sedation onset time and smoother inhalational induction without increasing clinically relevant adverse events.
Dexmedetomidine ; Ketamine ; Premedication

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on renal function after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 282 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in the Department of Urology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from November, 2020 and June, 2022.According to whether DEX was used during the operation, the patients were divided into DEX group and control group, and after propensity score matching, 99 patients were finally enrolled in each group.The incidence of acute kidney injuries were compared between the two groups.Serum creatinine (sCr) data within 3 months to 1 year after the operation were available in 51 patients, including 26 in DEX group and 25 in the control group, and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching and adjustment for significant covariates, there were no significant differences in postoperative levels of sCr, cystatin C (CysC), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), hemoglobin (Hb), or C-reactive protein (CRP), extubation time, incidence of AKI, or length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05).The intraoperative urine volume was significantly higher in DEX group than in the control group (P < 0.05).A significant correlation between AKI and CKD was noted in the patients (P < 0.05).The incidence of CKD did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION DEX can not reduce the incidence of AKI or CKD after LRN.
Humans ; Dexmedetomidine ; Incidence ; Propensity Score ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology* ; Kidney Neoplasms/surgery* ; Nephrectomy/adverse effects* ; Laparoscopy/adverse effects* ; Acute Kidney Injury/prevention & control* ; Retrospective Studies

Humans ; Dexmedetomidine/therapeutic use* ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVES: To establish a simple and rapid qualitative and quantitative detection method of dexmedetomidine in blood. METHODS: Blood was separated on the Allure PFP Propyl liquid chromatography column with isocratic elution after it was precipitated by acetonitrile and filtered. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of dexmedetomidine was performed using positive ion scan mode and multi-reaction monitoring mode. RESULTS: The limit of detection of dexmedetomidine in blood was 0.2 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/mL. The linearity of the method was good in the range of 0.5-1 000 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficient was greater than 0.99. The accuracy of the method was 90.34%-112.67% and the extraction recovery was 50.05%-91.08%, with no significant matrix effect. CONCLUSIONS This method is simple, selective and suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of dexmedetomidine in blood, which can provide a reference for drug-facilitated cases involving dexmedetomidine.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Dexmedetomidine/analysis* ; Reproducibility of Results ; Chromatography, Liquid/methods*

Objective Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with sedative and analgesic properties but without respiratory depression effect and has been widely used in perioperative anesthesia. Here we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on maintaining perioperative hemodynamic stability in elderly patients.Methods PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were searched for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of dexmedetomidine in maintaining perioperative hemodynamic stability in elderly patients from their inception to September, 2021. The standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to analyze the data. The random-effect model was used for the potential clinical inconsistency.Results A total of 12 RCTs with 833 elderly patients (dexmedetomidine group, 546 patients; control group, 287 patients) were included. There was no significant increase in perioperative heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the dexmedetomidine group before and during the operation. In addition, the variations of hemodynamic indexes including HR, MAP, SBP (systolic blood pressure), and DBP were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group compared with the control group (HR: SMD = -0.87, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.62; MAP: SMD = -1.12, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.63; SBP: SMD = -1.27, 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.27; DBP: SMD = -0.96, 95% CI: -1.33 to -0.59). Subgroup analysis found that with the prolongation of 1.0 μg/kg dexmedetomidine infusion, the patient's heart rate declined in a time-dependent way.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine provides more stable hemodynamics during perioperative period in elderly patients. However, further well-conducted trials are required to assess the effective and safer doses of dexmedetomidine in elderly patients.
Humans ; Aged ; Dexmedetomidine/adverse effects* ; Hemodynamics ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/pharmacology* ; Blood Pressure ; Heart Rate