A Pilot Study on Arousal Levels in Older Individuals after Sedated Endoscopy using the Bispectral Index System

Abstract

【Background and Aim】Older patients often exhibit delirium upon awakening after sedated endoscopy. This pilot study aimed to observe arousal levels using the Bispectral Index System（BIS）and clarify the appropriate timing for nursing intervention.【Methods】Participants consisted of four patients aged 65 and over（mean age 74.3）．Arousal level variability was measured using a BIS monitor. BIS data were obtained for 15 successive minutes the day prior to the procedure as baseline and for 240 successive minutes after sedated endoscopy.【Results】None of the participants exhibited delirium. BIS values started to decrease soon after sedation and increased around 120 min after patients completed the endoscopy and were transferred back to their room. During the endoscopy, the average BIS value changed within the moderate sedation depth recommended by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.【Conclusion】Our results suggest some possibility that delirium could appear in older patients around 120 min after endoscopy, although no delirium had been observed in participants included herein. Thus, BIS values could perhaps be used as ancillary data for controlling moderate sedation depth during endoscopy and performing timely nursing intervention.