The effects of alfentanil on emergence agitation in children under general anesthesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emergence agitation (EA) is characterized by excessive reactivity and sensory impairment that occurs in children after general anesthesia. Alfentanil is a µ-opioid receptor with rapid onset and short duration, widely used in minor surgery. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the effect of alfentanil on the incidence of EA in children undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were reviewed to search for related trials published before April 30, 2025. The primary outcome was the incidence of EA. Secondary outcomes included rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), emergence time, extubation time, and time to discharge from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results

The study e

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12545061 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature