Remimazolam vs. Propofol: Impact on Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgical Patients

Effect of Remimazolam Versus Propofol Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgical Patients: A Randomised, Controlled, Noninferiority Trial

The investigator aimed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative delirium after remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) compared to the propofol-based TIVA in patients undergoing neurosurgery.

Remimazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, has recently gained approval for use in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. In American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I and II patients undergoing general anesthesia, the remimazolam-based TIVA has shown comparable efficacy to propofol-based TIVA while demonstrating a superior safety profile. Remimazolam has exhibited a lower incidence of hypotension, reduced vasopressor requirements, and fewer instances of bradycardia compared to the propofol-based TIVA.

The use of benzodiazepine has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium, but there is currently no randomized controlled trial investigating the relationship between remimazolam, a new short-acting benzodiazepine, and postoperative delirium. Therefore, the investigators designed this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, active comparator-controlled, non-inferiority trial to investigate the incidence of postoperative delirium after remimazolam-based TIVA compared with propofol-based TIVA in neurosurgery patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I - III

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe respiratory, cardiovascular, or hepatic disease (Child-Pugh C)
• Dependency on psychiatric drugs or alcohol
• Severe sensory impairments that impede communication
• Preoperative delirium
• Hypersensitivity, allergies, or contraindication to the study drugs.