A survey of inhalational anaesthetic abuse in anaesthesia training programmes*

Abstract

SummaryThis study aims to assess the prevalence and outcomes of inhalational anaesthetic abuse among anaesthesia training programmes. Online surveys were completed by chairpersons of academic anaesthesia training programmes in the United States. The response rate was 84% (106 ⁄ 126 programmes). Twenty-two percent of the departments had had at least one incident of inhalational anaesthetic abuse. Forty-eight percent (15 ⁄ 31) of the persons abusing inhalational anaesthetics were sent for rehabilitation. Only 22% (7 ⁄ 31) of those found to be abusing inhalational anaesthetics were ultimately able to return successfully to anaesthesia practice with sustained recovery. The mortality rate among individuals found abusing inhalational anaesthetics was 26% (8 ⁄ 31). The majority of the anaesthesia departments (97 ⁄ 104, 93%) did not have any pharmacy accounting of inhalational anaesthetics. This is the first published survey of inhalational anaesthesia abuse. Inhalational anaesthetic abuse should be considered in at-risk individuals or those with a history of substance abuse. The concern about substance abuse is not unique to American anaesthetists. Countries around the world deal with similar substance abuse issues.

Abuso de fármacos anestésicos pelos anestesiologistas

“…Among the anesthetic agents most used by anesthesiologists are the opioids 26 , but there has been increased concern with propofol 27 and inhalational anesthetics 28 .…”

“…According to the study of Wilson et al 28 with 106 interviewees, 31 (29%) were addicts, and 48% were sent for rehabilitation. The mortality rate was 26% (eight cases), and five of them were among residents.…”

“…In a survey that included 106 Anesthesiology departments, Wilson et al 28 noticed that 23 of the departments had one or more individuals abusing inhalation anesthetics, totalling 31 addicts.…”

Addiction in Anaesthesiologists and its Implications on Anaesthesia

“…In near future its abuse potential among anesthesiologits may decrease [11,12]. The abuse of volatile anaesthetics among anaesthesiologists is difficult to detect and such individuals are addicted to more than one agents [13]. The misuse of ketamine among anaesthesiologists is increasingly being reported [14].…”

“…There is a higher incidence of death among substance-abusing anaesthesiologists due to the high potency and low therapeutic windows of drugs available for abuse to them like opioids, propofol, and volatile anesthetics [15,16].…”