Fentanyl depresses breathing about 4 minutes before symptoms of distress are evident at a dose that is 1700 times lower than that needed for sedation, new research shows.
Most anesthetic drugs have a distinct EEG signature that clinicians can use to track the drugs' effects. But opioids had no known signature or biomarker of any kind.
Researchers identified changes in theta oscillations that corresponded with patients' respiration, sedation, and loss of consciousness. They were able to use this biomarker to measure fentanyl's effects. Although the study only looked at fentanyl, Purdon expects that other opioids would demonstrate a similar signature.
"During the COVID crisis we had ICU physicians asking us to give seminars on how to use the EEG to manage their patients' sedation and one of the first things they'd ask about is, 'What do we do about the opioids?'" said Purdon, adding that although they couldn't answer that question then, they are closer to being able to do so now.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Detectives bust prolific fentanyl operation in Snohomish County allegedly run by one manDetectives say they’ve put a stop to one of the most prolific fentanyl operations in Snohomish County, which was allegedly being run by just one person. FOX13
Read more »
Kendall Jenner Admits She 'Didn't Necessarily Know' What She Was Doing at First Runway ShowThat being said, she had no hesitations about feeing the nipple on the catwalk (via toofab)
Read more »
How parents can get a free drug to reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdoseWhile treatment experts say education and prevention is key to saving lives. Governor Greg Abbott declares criminal organizations in Mexico as terrorists in a fight against fentanyl deaths.
Read more »
At least 7 Los Angeles teens overdosed from suspected fentanyl pills this month: LAPDLos Angeles authorities said at least seven local teens have overdosed from fentanyl-laced pills over the past month, including one who died from a fake Percocet pill.
Read more »