The impact of remimazolam compared to propofol on postoperative delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xiaoming Xue1, Xiangzheng Ma1, Bing Zhao1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Introduction:
The administration of benzodiazepines has been linked to the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) among patients undergoing surgery. In this review, we aim to appraise the current controversy regarding the role of remimazolam in POD.
Evidence Acquisition:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to examine the effects of remimazolam administration on postoperative delirium compared to propofol from inception to April 2024. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and ZhiWang Chinese databases. In the fixed-effects and random-effects statistical models, pooled risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences, 95% CIs, and P values were estimated for endpoints. The trial sequential analysis was used for sensitivity analysis.
Evidence Synthesis:
Among the 479 records screened, 11 randomized controlled trials with 1682 patients were eligible for inclusion. POD did not differ between groups (RR,0.82; 95% CI 0.53-1.26; P=0.36; df=10; I2=42%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the incidence of nausea and vomiting, hypoxemia, and length of stay. However, remimazolam had a lower incidence of hypotension and bradycardia than propofol. Analyses of subgroups did not reveal a difference in delirium based on the type of surgery, assessment timing, or definition of cognitive impairment. This result has been supported by the trial sequential analysis.
Conclusions:
Based on the available evidence, perioperative remimazolam administration is not associated with a significant rise in the incidence of POD.
Insights
Remimazolam does not increase the risk of postoperative delirium (POD) compared to propofol. This anesthetic agent showed fewer side effects like hypotension and bradycardia, offering a potentially safer option for surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are associated with postoperative delirium (POD).
- Remimazolam is a newer anesthetic agent with a different pharmacokinetic profile.
- The role of remimazolam in POD remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing remimazolam to propofol regarding POD.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of remimazolam in preventing POD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 RCTs involving 1682 patients.
- Searched major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Wanfang, ZhiWang) up to April 2024.
- Used fixed-effects and random-effects models, with trial sequential analysis for sensitivity.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in POD incidence between remimazolam and propofol (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.53-1.26).
- Remimazolam showed lower rates of hypotension and bradycardia.
- No differences in nausea, vomiting, hypoxemia, or length of stay were observed.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative remimazolam administration is not associated with an increased incidence of POD.
- Remimazolam may offer a favorable safety profile regarding hemodynamic stability compared to propofol.
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