Changes in oxygen supply–demand balance during induction of general anesthesia: an exploratory study using remimazolam

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study was performed to evaluate the changes in oxygen supply–demand balance during induction of general anesthesia using an indirect calorimeter capable of measuring oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2). Methods This study included patients scheduled for surgery in whom remimazolam was administered as a general anesthetic. VO2 and VCO2 were measured at different intervals: upon awakening (T1), 15 min after tracheal intubation (T2), and 1 h after T2 (T3). Oxygen delivery (DO2) was calculated simultaneously with these measurements. VO2 was ascertained using an indirect calorimeter and further calculated using vital signs, among other factors. DO2 was derived from cardiac output and arterial blood gas analysis performed with an arterial pressure-based cardiac output measurement system. Results VO2, VCO2, and DO2 decreased significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 [VO2/body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/m2): T1, 130 (122–146); T2, 107 (83–139); T3, 97 (93–121); p = 0.011], [VCO2/BSA (ml/min/m2): T1, 115 (105–129); T2, 90 (71–107); T3, 81 (69–101); p = 0.011], [DO2/BSA (ml/min/m2): T1, 467 (395–582); T2, 347 (286–392); T3, 382 (238–414); p = 0.0020]. Among the study subjects, a subset exhibited minimal reduction in VCO2. Although the respiratory frequency was titrated on the basis of end-tidal CO2 levels, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion General anesthetic induction with remimazolam decreased VO2, VCO2, and DO2.