Efficacy of auricular acupoint pressure therapy combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine for transthoracic echocardiography in pediatric patients / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupoint pressure therapy combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine for transthoracic echocardiography in pediatric patients.Methods:A total of 117 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, aged 3-36 months, weighing 5-20 kg, scheduled for elective transthoracic echocardiography under outpatient sedation, were selected.Transthoracic echocardiography was performed under sedation using intranasally administered dexmedetomidine or using auricular acupoint pressure therapy combined with intranasal dexmedetomidine.The interval between the two sedation methods was at least 1 week.Intranasal dexmedetomidine Dexmedetomidine 3 μg/kg was administered to both nostrils via a nebulizer, with 1/2 dose in each nostril.Intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with auricular acupoint pressure auricular acupressure with Wang Bu Liu Xing (semen vaccariae) seeds was used at the auricular acupoints.After each acupoint was rubbed for about 1 min, dexmedetomidine 3 μg/kg was administered to both nostrils via a nebulizer, with 1/2 dose in each nostril.After the examination, auricular acupoint pressure therapy was continued at home, and pressing-rubbing at the acupoints was manipulated for 3 times daily, one of which was performed at 30 min before going to bed, for 3 consecutive days.When the University of Michigan Sedation Scale score≥2 and body movement score ≥2 within 30 min after giving dexmedetomidine, sedation was considered to be successful.The onset time of sedation, examination time, waiting time, recovery time and the success of sedation were recorded.The incidence of adverse reactions such as bradycardia, hypotension, hypertension, hypoxemia, nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, restlessness, hyperactivity, action imbalances and allergic reaction were recorded within 24 h after administration of dexmedetomidine.Time to recovery and improvement of sleep quality at night were recorded.Results:Compared with intranasal dexmedetomidine, the successful rate of sedation and incidence of improvement of sleep quality at night were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in adverse reactions using intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with auricular acupoint pressure ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with auricular acupoint pressure therapy can increase the successful rate of sedation and improve the sleep quality at night in pediatric patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography when compared to intranasal dexmedetomidine.