Anesthesiology Researchers, in Partnership with Internal Medicine, Publish Breakthrough Study on Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Detection

We are proud to announce the publication of a study in Anesthesisa & Analgesia titled, “Quantified Ataxic Breathing Can Detect Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Earlier in Normal Volunteers Infused with Remifentanil.” This research, which includes four esteemed researchers from our Department of Anesthesiology—Dr. Lara M. Brewer, Dr. Talmage D. Egan, Dr. Ken B. Johnson, and Dr. Joseph A. Orr—focuses on the detection of opioid-induced respiratory depression using ataxic breathing as a quantifiable marker.

The study demonstrates how quantified ataxic breathing can serve as an early indicator of respiratory depression in patients under opioid treatment, particularly those administered remifentanil. This early detection tool could potentially revolutionize how clinicians monitor and manage opioid-induced respiratory depression, offering a safer pathway to patient care.

We extend our congratulations to Drs. Johnson, Orr, Egan, and Brewer for their impactful contribution to this vital area of anesthesiology research.