Efficacy and safety of remimazolam in bronchoscopic sedation: A meta-analysis

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Remimazolam is a new ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine sedative that is currently used for procedural sedation and general anesthesia. Several studies have used remimazolam for bendable bronchoscopes.

Research motivation

This is the first systematic review on the safety and efficacy of remimazolam during bronchoscopy.

Research objectives

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of remimazolam for the sedation of patients undergoing bendable bronchoscopy.

Research methods

We searched databases of EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, from the original to August 2023. The search terms include "Remimazolam" or "CNS 7056", search scope was "Title and Abstract". The search was limited to human studies and literature in English.

Research results

This meta-analysis included five studies. The sedation success rate of remimazolam was similar to that of conventional sedatives (CS). However, remimazolam is associated with a lower incidence of hypotension and respiratory depression. The subgroup analysis showed a higher success rate for sedation with remimazolam than with midazolam. The incidences of hypotension, respiratory depression, hypoxemia, and injection pain were lower with remimazolam than with propofol.

Research conclusions

Remimazolam is safe and effective for bronchoscopic sedation. The success rate was similar to that of CS. However, remimazolam has a higher safety profile, with fewer inhibitory effects on respiration and circulation.

Research perspectives

Endoscopic surgery outside the operating room is currently increasing, and anesthesia provides strong support for the development of endoscopic surgery. The use of remimazolam can fulfill sedation requirements during bronchoscopic procedures while reducing the incidence of intraoperative adverse events and complications.