Meta-analysis of the effect of central neuraxial regional anesthesia compared with general anesthesia on postoperative natural killer T lymphocyte function

J Clin Anesth. 2012 Feb;24(1):3-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2011.09.001.

Abstract

Study objective: To compare the effect of central neuraxial (spinal or epidural) anesthesia with general anesthesia on postoperative natural killer (NK) T lymphocyte function.

Design: Meta-analysis.

Setting: University-affiliated hospital.

Measurements: A systematic search of the medical literature from 1966 to 2009 yielded 5 eligible studies with a total of 184 patients who received neuraxial blockade. Natural killer T lymphocyte function was studied.

Main results: There was significant heterogeneity between the studies [I(2) = 94.4% (95% CI= 90.3-96.2%)]. Overall fixed-effect odds ratio was 0.86 (0.66-1.14, P = 0.25). The random-effect odds ratio was 1.13 (0.26-4.92, P = 0.79).

Conclusion: Anesthetic technique does not appear to significantly affect postoperative NK T lymphocyte function. Given the heterogeneity observed, further clinical studies in cancer patients of the effect of anesthetic technique on immune function in general, and NK T lymphocyte function in particular, are needed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Anesthesia, General / methods*
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / methods*
  • Humans
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / drug effects*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
  • Nerve Block / methods
  • Postoperative Period