Effectiveness of Propofol in Mitigation of Emergence Agitation Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery Under General Anesthesia: Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Emergence agitation is the abnormal mental status that develops as the result of anesthesia administration during the transition from unconsciousness to complete wakefulness. It is more common in pediatrics. It can cause serious life-threatening phenomena. Thus, preventing it would reduce the unwanted side effects and makes emergence smooth.

Objective

Assess effectiveness of propofol in the mitigation of emergence agitation among pediatric patients undergone elective surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods

The study was conducted from October 1/2022 to December 30/ 2022 among pediatric patients aged 2-14 years who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 76 patients were enrolled and grouped into propofol and non-propofol with 38 patients in each. The incidence and severity of EA were assessed.

Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 26.0. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as statically significant.

Result

The overall incidence of EA in both groups was 48.7% (37%−60.4%). The incidence of EA in the propofol group and non-group was 34.2% (19.6%−51.4%) vs 63.2% (46%−78.2%) respectively p=0.012. There was a significant reduction in the severity of EA at time intervals of 5 ^th and 15 ^th minutes; P =0.012 vs 0.029 respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the severity of EA at the 30 ^th minute between the groups; P=0.08. The RR of EA in the propofol group was 0.542 (95% CI: 0.327-0.896).

Conclusion

The administration prophylactic propofol at the end of surgery is important in reducing both the incidence and severity of emergence agitation.