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Dexmedetomidine on Intraoperative Somatosensory and Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring During Neurosurgery in Pediatric Patients

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Cranio Cervical Compression
Tethered Spinal Cord
Brain Tumor
Interventions
Other: Isoflurane, Propofol, Dexmedetomidine
Registration Number
NCT01512147
Lead Sponsor
Oregon Health and Science University
Brief Summary

The investigators want to know if using the study drug dexmedetomidine will improve nerve wave readings during neurosurgery. These readings are done many times during surgery while the patient is asleep. The readings look at how nerves are working and let the operating team know if nerves are hurt during surgery. If the readings tell that nerves are not working correctly, the surgeons can help while changing the way of operating.

The study drug will be used in addition to the general anesthesia that a patient is given. The nerve readings that the investigators get while using the study drug will be compared with nerve readings that the investigators get while not using the study drug.

The study hypothesis is that dexmedetomidine does not change nerve readings.

Detailed Description

Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) have become an integral component in intraoperative care of patients and have resulted in a high degree of sensitivity in predicting neurologic outcomes. According to Padberg, Nuwer and Ecker ,SSEP and MEP monitoring allows surgical interventions to occur early and thus decreases the incidence of postoperative neurologic deficits.

These measurements are done during surgery under general anesthesia and it is known that anesthetic agents have a dose-dependent adverse effect on the ability to record evoked potential responses. All anesthesia agents seem to interfere with the measurements especially in higher doses.

In 1999, dexmedetomidine, a highly specific and selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist with sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic effects, got FDA approved for adult patients for sedation. Since then, it has also been widely used off-label in various settings; it is described as a successful adjunct for surgical procedures in adolescents and adult populations where SSEP/ MEP monitoring is beneficial. Several small and retrospective studies have shown that dexmedetomidine does not appear to interfere with neurophysiological monitoring when used in FDA approved doses.

In pediatric patients, dexmedetomidine is also used off-label and has been shown to be beneficial. In fact, at Doernbecher Childen's Hospital, the use of dexmedetomidine has become a standard in pediatric procedures involving SSEP and MEP measurements. To the best of our knowledge, prospective studies in pediatric patients with SSEP monitoring while using dexmedetomidine have not been completed.

If dexmedetomidine does not interfere the SSEP/MEP reading, it might be an advantageous adjunct to use in these settings. Propofol has a small risk of a serious side effect called propofol infusion syndrome. Propofol infusion syndrome is potentially life threatening, with the development of a profound lactate acidosis. It is seen when large doses of propofol (usually from a prolonged infusion) are given in the pediatric population.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Pediatric patients between 2 and 12 years old
  • Undergoing neurosurgery and
  • Requiring SSEP/ MEP measurements
Exclusion Criteria
  • Patients younger than 2 and older than 12 years
  • Patients with known bradyarrhythmias
  • Patients with severe liver disease
  • Conditions that may alter reading, e.g. neuromuscular diseases

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Isoflurane, Propofol, DexmedetomidineIsoflurane, Propofol, DexmedetomidineOur trial will examine the changes in latency and amplitude of SSEP and changes in amplitude and morphology of MEP while using different anesthetic combinations including isoflurane, proposal and dexmedetomidine. Monitoring teams will document any changes throughout the surgery and communicate with the team about those changes. The design of the study will be a prospective AB design.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Significant improvement of MEP and SSEP readings during neurosurgery for pediatric patients while using dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to general anesthesia and therefore improvement in clinical decision making.30 - 60 minutes of SSEP and MEP measurements intraoperatively

Changes in latency and amplitude of SSEP and changes in amplitude and morphology of MEP while using different anesthetic combinations including isoflurane, propofol and dexmedetomidine.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ohsu - Oregon Health and Science University

🇺🇸

Portland, Oregon, United States

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