Comparison of Incidence of hypoxia during modified rapid sequence induction and an alternative technique: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: We evaluated the effects and safety of an alternative technique for rapid sequence intubation in children predicting to have high risk of pulmonary aspiration in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Methods: One hundred sixty-five children predicting to have high risk of pulmonary aspiration were randomly allocated to spontaneous breathing maintained induction and intubation group (Group S) and the modified rapid sequence group (Group C). The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxemia around the intubation period, which was defined as SpO2<90% at any time during the induction and 10 min after the endotracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of pulmonary aspiration, gastroesophageal reflux and other major adverse events associated with the induction and intubation.

Results: There were no differences in the incidence of hypoxemia around the intubation period between Group C and Group S; 25.9% vs. 14.8% (P=0.079). The incidence of severe hypoxemia appeared higher in Group C than Group S but not statistical significance, 6.2% vs. 2.5% (P=0.246). Simultaneously, gastroesophageal reflux (upper esophageal pH≤4) was detected in 4.93% children in Group C and 2.47% in group S, which was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.552). There were no witnessed aspirations in all subjects.

Conclusion: Sevoflurane based deep sedation with spontaneous respiration maintained technique is not superior to modified rapid sequence induction but can be an alternative technique for anesthesia induction for those predicting to have high risk of aspiration in children.