Capsicum plasters on acupoints decrease the incidence of emergence agitation in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Emergence agitation (EA) affects 10-80% of pediatric patients post-tonsillectomy, potentially causing self-harm and increased healthcare needs.
• Current pharmacological interventions for EA have yielded controversial results and potential side effects.
• Non-pharmacological strategies are being explored to manage EA effectively and safely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of capsicum plasters on HT 7 acupoints in reducing emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients.
• To assess the impact of capsicum plaster application on postoperative pain, recovery duration, and side effects.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study included 50 pediatric patients (ages 2-10) undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
• Patients received either capsicum plasters (acupuncture group) or inactive plasters (sham group) on bilateral HT 7 points preoperatively.
• Postoperative emergence agitation (PAED scale), pain (CHEOPS scale), and side effects were assessed for 15 minutes.

Main Results:

• The acupuncture group showed a significantly lower incidence of EA (28.0% vs. 60.0%) and fewer postoperative side effects compared to the sham group.
• While EA severity was not significantly different, the acupuncture group experienced a shorter recovery duration.
• Patients with EA exhibited higher age and more retching; postoperative side effects like vomiting were more frequent in EA patients.

Conclusions:

• Applying capsicum plasters to HT 7 acupoints is an effective non-pharmacological method for preventing emergence agitation in children.
• This intervention presents a valuable and potentially safer alternative for managing postoperative agitation in pediatric surgical patients.