This study aims to evaluate whether a lower dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg IV) may be as effective as a higher dose (0.75 mg/kg IV) in reducing oculocardiac reflex (OCR) incidence in adult patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery.
The oculocardiac reflex (OCR) is a trigeminovagal reflex that can occur intraoperatively due to traction on extraocular muscles or pressure on the globe, resulting in bradycardia, arrhythmias, or asystole. Defined as a heart rate drop exceeding 20% from baseline, OCR is most frequently described in pediatric strabismus surgery, though its relevance persists in adult ophthalmic interventions involving similar stimuli. Optimal ketamine dosing in adults remains underexplored. Higher doses may enhance OCR protection but could also prolong emergence or increase psychomimetic effects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
Patients will receive 0.5 mg/kg intravenous ketamine hydrochloride.
Patients will receive 0.75 mg/kg intravenous ketamine hydrochloride.
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
RECRUITINGIncidence of oculocardiac reflex
Incidence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) in each group \[defined as ≥20% heart rate decrease from baseline or absolute bradycardia (HR\<50 bpm)\] sustained during extraocular muscles (EOMs) traction.
Time frame: During extraocular muscle traction (intraoperative)
Lowest recorded intraoperative heart rate
The lowest recorded intraoperative heart rate will be recorded.
Time frame: Intraoperatively
Incidence of use of atropine
If oculocardiac reflex (OCR) (defined as \>20% drop in heart rate from the baseline or absolute bradycardia \<50 bpm) occurs, the surgeon will be ordered to stop extraocular muscle traction, and atropine increments (0.3 mg IV) will be administered.
Time frame: Intraoperatively
Mean arterial pressure
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) will be recorded throughout surgery, measured every 15 minutes.
Time frame: Every 15 minutes till the end of surgery (Up to two hours)
Heart rate
Heart rate (HR) will be recorded throughout surgery, measured every 15 minutes.
Time frame: Every 15 minutes till the end of surgery (Up to two hours)
Time to emergence
Time to emergence from anesthesia will be recorded from the conclusion of anesthesia to eye opening.
Time frame: To eye opening (Up to one hour)
Incidence of postoperative complications
Incidence of postoperative complications such as nausea, vomiting, or hallucinations will be recorded.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively