Phamacological Reversal of Airway Instability During Sedation

Not Applicable

Completed

Conditions: Upper Airway Obstruction

Interventions: Drug: Placebo
Drug: Physostigmine
Drug: Oxygen

Registration Number: NCT01171118

Lead Sponsor: University of Rochester

Brief Summary: The investigators are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias(central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study in physostigmine versus placebo.

Detailed Description: One of the most serious side effects of drugs administered for sedation is untoward respiratory events. The relative prevalence of such events is thought to be high, occurring in up to 41% of patients in some cohorts. Many specific drugs and combinations have been recommended for moderate sedation, particularly when provided by a non-anesthesiologist. The use of an opioid and a benzodiazepine is the most frequent combination, partly because the availability of antagonists for both drugs may make a "rescue" easier. However, this combination results in frequent respiratory arrhythmias (combinations of obstructions, pauses and changes in respiratory patterns).There has not been a comprehensive study of the mechanisms underlying the disruptions of respiratory rhythm caused by agents commonly used for moderate sedation. This specific research, and the line of research it opens, has the potential to make the administration of anxiolytics and analgesics safer for patients at high risk for respiratory events.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: Male

Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 18-45
BMI below 25
Healthy males

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric illness
Substance abuse
Airway disorders
Bleeding abnormatlities
Claustrophobia
Sleep apnea.

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sedation & Placebo & Room Air	Placebo	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.
Sedation & Placebo & Oxygen	Placebo	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.
Sedation & Physostigmine & Room Air	Physostigmine	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.
Sedation & Physostigmine & Oxygen	Physostigmine	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.
Sedation & Physostigmine & Oxygen	Oxygen	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.
Sedation & Placebo & Oxygen	Oxygen	We are attempting to demonstrate a decrease in the frequency and severity of sedation-induced respiratory arrhythmias (central and obstructive apneas) with pharmacological pre-treatment in this pilot project and then eventually to understand the mechanisms behind this decrease. The efficacy and mechanisms of these treatments, while evaluated during sleep in OSA patients, have not been systematically studied during sedation in either normal subjects or OSA patients. The agent to be assessed in this study is physostigmine versus placebo.We are interested in the effect of breathing oxygen vs. room air on the regulation of respiratory control during moderate sedation.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
AHI - Apnea Hypopnea Index	2- 2 1/2 hours during study visit	This is a standard metric used to describe severity of disordered breathing during sleep.Normal healthy subjects would have an AHI value of zero during sleep. Mild disordered breathing would correspond to a value of 5 to 10 events per hours; moderate 10-25; severe would be over 25

Secondary Outcome Measures