Characterizing the Electroencephalogram Signature of Fentanyl During Induction of General Anesthesia

Characterizing the Electroencephalogram Signature of Fentanyl During Induction of General Anesthesia

While historically anesthesiologists rely on pharmacokinetics to track the loss of consciousness, new research in anesthesiology has identified the salient features of the electroencephalogram (EEG) that correlate to states of sedation and unconsciousness induced by different anesthetic drugs. While the EEG features of many sedative-hypnotic anesthetics have been well- characterized, the opioid analgesic drugs have not been analyzed in detail in this way. A characterization of the EEG signatures of opioid analgesic drugs could be useful in monitoring and titrating the effects of these drugs.

Fentanyl is one of the most commonly used opioid analgesic drugs. Prior to induction of general anesthesia, fentanyl is frequently administered to blunt the nociceptive response to intubation. A typical scenario is to administer 2 to 4 mcg/kg of fentanyl first, followed by a sedative hypnotic drug such as propofol to induce general anesthesia. In this study, we propose to administer a total of 4 mcg/kg of fentanyl, administered in 2 boluses, before administering a sedative hypnotic drug. At this dose, fentanyl will serve to blunt nociception during intubation, but will also contribute to intraoperative pain management. During this time, we will record the EEG using standard EEG-based anesthetic monitors that are routinely used in the operating room. We will assess the patient's level of responsiveness using an auditory task and ulnar nerve stimulation. These measurements will allow us to identify the EEG signatures of fentanyl for future use in EEG-based anesthetic monitoring. During this study we will measure EEG and responses to auditory and ulnar nerve stimuli during induction of general anesthesia in surgical patients. The anesthetic will be administered according to a typical sequence in which fentanyl is first administered, followed by a sedative hypnotic drug for induction of general anesthesia. The primary difference is that, in this study, we will record the EEG and response data for a short period of time after initial administration of fentanyl and prior to administration of a sedative hypnotic drug to induce general anesthesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

-Undergoing surgery anticipated to take 2 hours or longer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Allergies to fentanyl, bisulfite, eggs or egg products, latex, soybeans, soybean oil BMI ≤ 30 (kg/m2)
• Known or suspected difficult intubation
• Known or suspected need for rapid sequence induction and intubation
• History of obstructive sleep apnea requiring CPAP
• History of uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Opiate use within 24 hours
• History of opiate abuse within 3 years