Subanesthetic Esketamine for Hemodynamic Stability and Recovery in Elderly Thoracic Surgery Patients

Summary

This retrospective study evaluated the effects of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine (0.25 mg/kg) on intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative recovery quality in elderly patients (aged 65-75) undergoing thoracic surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 230 patients were included and randomly assigned to receive either esketamine or placebo during anesthesia induction. Key outcomes included blood pressure and heart rate stability, catecholamine levels, recovery time, incidence of adverse events such as delirium or nausea, and opioid use.

Conditions

• Hemodynamic Instability
• Postoperative Recovery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Anesthesia, General
• Elderly Patients

Interventions

DRUG

Esketamine

Intravenous administration of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine (0.25 mg/kg) during induction of general anesthesia. The drug was administered slowly over approximately 30 seconds after midazolam (2 mg) and sufentanil (50 µg), and prior to propofol (2 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). The goal was to evaluate its effect on intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative recovery in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

DRUG

Normal Saline (0.9% Sodium Chloride)

Intravenous administration of an equivalent volume of 0.9% normal saline during anesthesia induction, matching the timing and method of the esketamine group. Used as a placebo comparator.

DRUG

Midazolam

Intravenous administration of 2 mg midazolam during anesthesia induction for sedation. Administered prior to study drug.

DRUG

Sufentanil

Intravenous administration of 50 µg sufentanil for analgesia during anesthesia induction. Administered prior to study drug.

DRUG

propofol

Intravenous administration of 2 mg/kg propofol for loss of consciousness during anesthesia induction. Administered after study drug.

DRUG

Rocuronium

Intravenous administration of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium to facilitate neuromuscular blockade and endotracheal intubation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-01

Primary Completion

2024-11-30

Completion

2024-11-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations