RESUMEN
Objective To evaluate the effects of age factors on sedation induced by dexmedetomidine.Methods One hundred and thirty-nine patients,aged 18-103 yr,with body mass index ≤ 30 kg/m2,scheduled for elective surgeries on lower abdomen or lower extremities,were divided into4 groups according to the age:group Ⅰ (18 yr≤age≤44 yr,n=40);group Ⅱ (45 yr≤age≤59 yr,n=38);group Ⅲ (60 yr≤age≤89 yr,n=39);group Ⅳ (≥90 yr,n=22).A catheter was placed in the subarachnoid space at L3,4 interspace,and ropivacaine 10-20 mg was injected via the catheter.At 20 min after ropivacaine injection,dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg was infused via a pump over 10 min.The onset time and duration of sedation were recorded,and the occurrence of adverse effects such as hypoxemia,bradycardia and hypotension was observed.Results There was no significant difference in the onset time of sedation and incidence of bradycardia among the 4 groups (P＞0.05).Compared with group Ⅰ,the duration of sedation was significantly prolonged in Ⅱ-Ⅳ groups (P＜0.05).Compared with Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups,the duration of sedation was significantly prolonged in group Ⅳ (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension was significantly higher in group Ⅳ than in Ⅰ-Ⅲ groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine-induced sedation is influenced by age factors,the duration of sedation induced by dexmedetomidine is prolonged,and the occurrence of adverse effects is increased,especially if the patients ≥ 90 yr of age.
RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the practical value of Shikani optical stylet used for orotracheal intubation in critically conscious patients and to evaluate the successful rate. Method A total of 48 conscious patients with severe respiratory failure were selected from January 2008 to June 2009. Of them, there were 31 males and 17 females,aging 21-86 years old with an average of 57 years old. All enrolled patients needed endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation support, and they were assigned to Shikani group (group S, n = 25) and Macintosh group (group M, n = 23) according to the odd and even number of date of admission to this study. The time consumed for intubation, the number of failure in intubation, the adverse effects or complications such as hemodynam-ic changes, injury to the pharyngo-oral cavity, choking and breath-hold were observed and recorded. The rank test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results The ratio of the successful intubation at first attempt was much higher in group S (96.0%) than that in group M (60.9%) (P <0.01). Compared with group M, the time consumed for intubation was significantly shortened, the cardiovascular reactions were much mild, and the incidence of injury to pharyngo-oral cavity, choking and breath-hold were less in the group S ( P < 0.01 all). Conclusions For the acute and critical patients, especially the conscious ones, orotracheal intubation with the Shikani optical stylet is rapid, successful, safe and less injurious, resulting in mild cardiovascular reactions.