Background: Prophylaxis for cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) during anesthesia in the beach chair position (BCP) for shoulder surgeries has not been evaluated. We systematically analyzed the effectiveness of various prophylactic measures used in this clinical setting. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis (PROSPERO; no. CRD42020167285) of trials reporting CDEs and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) values in anesthetized patients undergoing shoulder surgery in BCP. Considering the type of prophylactic measures used (pharmacological or non-pharmacological), a subgroup analysis was planned. Outcomes included (1) rSO2 and SjvO2 data with and without prophylactic measures for CDEs, recorded for different time intervals, and (2) the number of patients experiencing CDEs and hypotension. Results: Twelve studies (786 patients) were included in the analysis. We observed lower absolute rSO2 values for early and all-time periods for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. The lowest achieved rSO2 values were also lower for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Risk of CDEs was higher with vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Subgroup analysis identified targeted mild hypercarbia as effective in preserving cerebral oxygenation. Similarly, targeted mild hypercarbia prevented the fall in rSO2 with position change. Meta-regressions revealed statistically significant highest estimates for vasoactive agent prophylaxis in contrast to targeted mild hypercarbia. Likelihood of not developing CDEs was higher for targeted mild hypercarbia. In contrast to rSO2, most prophylactic methods reduced hypotensive episodes. Conclusions Targeted mild hypercarbia can reduce BCP-related CDEs. Evidence does not favor prophylactic use of vasoactive agents for the prevention of cerebral desaturations irrespective of whether their use interferes with cerebral oximetry readings.

Background: Prophylaxis for cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) during anesthesia in the beach chair position (BCP) for shoulder surgeries has not been evaluated. We systematically analyzed the effectiveness of various prophylactic measures used in this clinical setting. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis (PROSPERO; no. CRD42020167285) of trials reporting CDEs and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) values in anesthetized patients undergoing shoulder surgery in BCP. Considering the type of prophylactic measures used (pharmacological or non-pharmacological), a subgroup analysis was planned. Outcomes included (1) rSO2 and SjvO2 data with and without prophylactic measures for CDEs, recorded for different time intervals, and (2) the number of patients experiencing CDEs and hypotension. Results: Twelve studies (786 patients) were included in the analysis. We observed lower absolute rSO2 values for early and all-time periods for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. The lowest achieved rSO2 values were also lower for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Risk of CDEs was higher with vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Subgroup analysis identified targeted mild hypercarbia as effective in preserving cerebral oxygenation. Similarly, targeted mild hypercarbia prevented the fall in rSO2 with position change. Meta-regressions revealed statistically significant highest estimates for vasoactive agent prophylaxis in contrast to targeted mild hypercarbia. Likelihood of not developing CDEs was higher for targeted mild hypercarbia. In contrast to rSO2, most prophylactic methods reduced hypotensive episodes. Conclusions Targeted mild hypercarbia can reduce BCP-related CDEs. Evidence does not favor prophylactic use of vasoactive agents for the prevention of cerebral desaturations irrespective of whether their use interferes with cerebral oximetry readings.