Xin Zhao

Ketamine is a classic intravenous anesthetic. Esketamine is a dextro-isomer of ketamine, with similar mechanism of action, mainly through non-competitive antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, higher potency and fewer adverse effects. The characteristics of esketamine include circulatory stimulation, bronchodilatation, inhibition of inflammation and dissociative anesthetic properties. Esketamine was approved for clinical practice in China in 2019, and has significant advantages for use in pediatric, maternal, elderly or shock patients. The clinical use of esketamine is currently receiving widespread attention. This article reviews the recent progress and limitations of clinical studies on the perioperative use of esketamine in elderly patients, covering its pharmacological properties, hemodynamic effects, analgesic benefits, and impacts on depression, sleep, and neurocognitive function, to provide theoretical reference for its application in anesthesia and offer dosage recommendations for elderly patients.

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) represents a common airway complication closely related to endotracheal tube (ETT), exhibiting a higher incidence following tracheal intubation compared to other airway apparatuses. Nevertheless, considering its mild and self-limiting character, POST is often overlooked. This study provides an updated narrative review on the latest perspectives regarding POST, including a comprehensive summary of its mechanisms, risk factors, clinical assessment methods, prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, directions for future research are proposed. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using keywords such as “postoperative sore throat” and “tracheal intubation” in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from their inception to October 2024. Two groups of reviewers independently performed data search and cleaning after standard training. To address gaps in knowledge or potential biases, the literature was thoroughly screened based on established criteria, and a comprehensive synthesis, analysis, and summary of the relevant findings was conducted. Results: The precise cause of POST remains unknown, and its potential mechanism is believed to involve secondary inflammation triggered by irritation, mechanical trauma, tracheal intubation, and cuff inflation. The risk factors for POST encompass preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Currently, effective prevention methods for POST consist of pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. In terms of pharmacological interventions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid can effectively prevent the occurrence of POST through their anti-inflammatory properties. However, given the unavoidable side effects of medications, non-pharmacological interventions and non-invasive methods may offer greater benefits for POST and related hoarseness. For example, proficient and gentle intubation techniques can prevent mechanical injury caused by repeated intubation attempts. Currently, several studies have demonstrated the potential role of TCM in managing POST. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects remain to be elucidated, and the available clinical evidence is still limited. Conclusion: Given that POST is prevalent following tracheal intubation but frequently overlooked, we advocate heightened awareness of its occurrence and progression, and recommend integrating the prevention and management of POST into routine clinical practice.

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a significant adverse effect after endotracheal intubation, especially with double-lumen endotracheal tubes (DLTs). Ultrasound-guided internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve block (US-guided iSLNB) presents a potential intervention for POST. In this first randomized controlled trial to date, we aimed to investigate the effects of US-guided iSLNB, with or without perineural dexmedetomidine, on the incidence and severity of POST following DLTs. Methods: A total of 159 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: control, bilateral US-guided iSLNB (2 mL 0.20% ropivacaine + 1 mL saline on each side), and bilateral US-guided iSLNB combined with perineural dexmedetomidine group (2 mL 0.20% ropivacaine + 1 mL 0.5 μg·kg^{− 1} dexmedetomidine on each side). The incidence and severity of POST, hemodynamic fluctuations during intubation and extubation, the incidence and severity of cough and agitation during extubation, and perioperative complications were assessed. The primary outcome was the incidence of POST at 6 h after surgery. Results: Compared with the control group, preoperative US-guided iSLNB significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST at 1 and 6 h after surgery, mitigated the incidence and severity of cough during extubation, and attenuated hemodynamic responses, including heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and rate-pressure product during intubation, 1 min after intubation, and 1 min after extubation (all P < 0.01). Compared with US-guided iSLNB alone, the combination of US-guided iSLNB with perineural dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence and severity of POST at 1, 6, and 12 h, as well as coughing during extubation (all P < 0.01). However, it demonstrated little effect on hemodynamics (all P > 0.05). No significant perioperative complications were observed in the three groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative US-guided iSLNB combined with perineural dexmedetomidine effectively reduced the incidence, severity, and duration of POST and cough during extubation. No additional hemodynamic benefits were observed. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061001).

Background: Dexmedetomidine, an α₂-adrenergic receptor (α₂-AR) agonist, is extensively used in clinical and animal studies owing to its sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. The diverse range of research domains associated with dexmedetomidine poses challenges in defining pivotal research directions. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric study in the field of dexmedetomidine over the past decade to establish current research trends and emerging frontiers. Methods: Relevant publications in the field of dexmedetomidine between 2014 and 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The bibliometric analysis, incorporating statistical and visual analyses, was conducted using CiteSpace (6.1.R6) and R (4.3.1). Results: The present study encompassed a total of 5,482 publications, exhibiting a consistent upward trend over the past decade. The United States and its institutions had the highest centrality. Ji, Fuhai, and Ebert, Thomas J. were identified as the most productive author and the most cited author, respectively. As anticipated, the most cited journal was Anesthesiology. Moreover, cluster analysis of cited references and co-occurrence of keywords revealed that recent studies were primarily focused on sedation, delirium, and opioid-free anesthesia. Finally, a timeline view of keywords clusters and keywords burst demonstrated that primary research frontiers were stress response, neuroinflammation, delirium, opioid-free anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and complications. Conclusion: Current research trends and directions are focused on sedation, delirium, and opioid-free anesthesia, as evidenced by our results. The frontier of future research is anticipated to encompass basic investigations into dexmedetomidine, including stress response and neuroinflammation, as well as clinical studies focusing on delirium, opioid-free anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and associated complications.

Background: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) analgesia can be prolonged by local anesthetic adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine. This study aimed to evaluate the two administration routes of dexmedetomidine on acute pain and chronic neuropathic pain (NeuP) prevention compared with no dexmedetomidine. Methods: A total of 216 patients were randomized to receive TPVB using 0.4% ropivacaine alone (R Group), with perineural dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg·kg^{− 1} (RD_0.5 Group) or 1.0 μg·kg^{− 1} (RD_1.0 Group), or intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg·kg^{− 1}·h^{− 1} (RD_iv Group). The primary outcome was the incidence of chronic NeuP, defined as a Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain score > 12 points at 3-month after surgery. Results: (1) For the primary outcome, RD_0.5 Group and RD_1.0 Group demonstrated a decreased incidence of chronic NeuP at 3-month after surgery; (2) Compared with R Group, RD_iv Group, RD_0.5 Group, and RD_1.0 Group can reduce VAS scores at rest and movement and Prince-Henry Pain scores at 12 and 24-h after surgery, the consumption of oral morphine equivalent (OME) and improve QOD-15 at POD1; (3) Compared with RD_iv Group, RD_0.5 Group and RD_1.0 Group can reduce VAS scores at rest and movement and Prince-Henry Pain scores at 12 and 24-h after surgery, the consumption of postoperative OME and improve QOD-15 at POD1; (4) Compared with RD_0.5 Group, RD_1.0 Group effectively reduced VAS scores at rest at 12 and 24-h after surgery, VAS scores in movement and Prince-Henry Pain scores at 12-h after surgery. However, RD_1.0 Group showed an increased incidence of drowsiness. Conclusion: Perineural or IV dexmedetomidine are similarly effective in reducing acute pain, but only perineural dexmedetomidine reduced chronic NeuP. Moreover, considering postoperative complications such as drowsiness, perineural dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg·kg^{− 1}) may be a more appropriate choice. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200058982).

Remimazolam is a novel ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine that allosterically modulates γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors to exert sedative effects. Remimazolam has the properties of controllable sedation, rapid onset, and a short duration of action, along with minor depression of circulation and respiration. Remimazolam has been approved for clinical use since 2020 in Japan, and it has been applied for procedural sedation, general anesthesia induction and maintenance, and sedation in ICU patients, and has been proven to be safe and effective. Currently, no consensus has been reached on the clinical application of remimazolam in pediatric patients. This review introduces the clinical research progress and limitations of remimazolam in recent years, aiming to supply scientific guidance and a theoretical reference for the application of remimazolam in pediatric anaesthesia.

Background: Tau, a microtubule-associated protein extensively distributed within the central nervous system (CNS), exhibits close associations with various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited publications on tau protein and reveal the current research hotspots and future perspectives.Methods: The relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace (v6.2.R4) and VOSviewer (1.6.19) were adopted for bibliometric analysis with statistical and visual analysis.Results: Citations per article ranged from 615 to 3,123, with a median number of 765.5 times. “Neuroscience” emerged as the most extensively researched subject in this field. The USA has emerged as the leading country, with a publication record (n = 65), total citations (n = 66,543), strong centrality (0.29), and extensive international collaborations. Harvard University (n = 11) and the University of California, San Francisco (n = 11) were the top two institutions in terms of publications. Neuron dominated with 13 articles in the 37 high-quality journals. M. Goedert from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology was the most productive (n = 9) and top co-cited (n = 179) author. The most frequently studied keywords were Alzheimer’s disease (n = 38). Future research is anticipated to intensify its focus on the pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, emphasizing the phosphorylation and structural alterations of tau protein, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease.Conclusion: The pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, including the phosphorylation and structural alterations of the tau protein, will be the primary focus of future research, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease as a central area of investigation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the more common side effects of tracheal intubation patients under general anesthesia (GA) after extubation using double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs). The internal branches of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block (iSLNB) have been reported to anesthetize the larynx for airway manipulation (such as awake tracheal intubation) and pain treatment efficiently. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided iSLNB (US-guided iSLNB) combined with GA would ameliorate the incidence and severity of POST and hoarseness. METHODS: Patients (n = 82) undergoing thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules/lobes/segments with one-lung ventilation (OLV) under GA were randomized into 2 groups depending on whether performed with iSLNB (S group, n = 41) or not (C group, n = 41) under GA. Patients in the S group received US-guided iSLNB bilaterally before surgery. POST and hoarseness were assessed at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of POST at 6 hours after surgery between groups. RESULTS: The overall accumulated incidence of POST was lower in the S goup than in the C group (9/41 vs 20/41; 95% CI, 0.30 [0.11–0.77]; P = .011). The incidence and severity of POST was lower in the S group than in the C group at 2 hours (9/41 vs 20/41; 95% CI, 0.30 [0.11–0.77]; P = .008 and P = .004) and 6 hours after (7/41 vs 17/41; 95% CI, 0.29 [0.10–0.81]; P = .012 and P = .015) surgery. The incidence and severity of POST at 24 hours after surgery was nonsignificant. However, the incidence and severity of hoarseness was comparable between the 2 groups at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative US-guided iSLNB could significantly ameliorate the incidence and severity of POST induced by double-lumen bronchial catheter intubation

Peripheral nerve block technology is important to balanced anesthesia technology. It can effectively reduce opioid usage. It is the key to enhance clinical rehabilitation as an important part of the multimodal analgesia scheme. The emergence of ultrasound technology has accelerated peripheral nerve block technology development. It can directly observe the nerve shape, surrounding tissue, and diffusion path of drugs. It can also reduce the dosage of local anesthetics by improving positioning accuracy while enhancing the block’s efficacy. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective drug α₂-adrenergic receptor agonist. Dexmedetomidine has the characteristics of sedation, analgesia, anti-anxiety, inhibition of sympathetic activity, mild respiratory inhibition, and stable hemodynamics. Numerous studies have revealed that dexmedetomidine in peripheral nerve blocks can shorten the onset time of anesthesia and prolong the time of sensory and motor nerve blocks. Although dexmedetomidine was approved by the European Drug Administration for sedation and analgesia in 2017, it has not yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used as a non-label drug as an adjuvant. Therefore, the risk-benefit ratio must be evaluated when using these drugs as adjuvants. This review explains the pharmacology and mechanism of dexmedetomidine, the effect of dexmedetomidine on various peripheral nerve block as an adjuvant, and compare it with other types of adjuvants. We summarized and reviewed the application progress of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in nerve block and look forward to its future research direction.