Using heart rate variability and anxiety to predict emergence agitation after septorhinoplasty

The Role of Heart Rate Variability and Anxiety in Predicting Emergence Agitation in Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty : A Prospective Observational Study

Observational Konya City Hospital · NCT07389135

This study will see if preoperative heart rate variability and anxiety levels can predict emergence agitation in adults having elective septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKonya City Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Konya, Karatay)
Trial IDNCT07389135 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center prospective observational study will enroll about 100 adults undergoing elective septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia. Preoperative resting HRV will be recorded with a chest-strap monitor and anxiety measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) and the STAI-1. Emergence agitation will be monitored in the PACU using the Richmond Agitation‑Sedation Scale (RASS) during the first 30 minutes, with RASS ≥ +1 defined as agitation. Secondary outcomes include early postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and laryngospasm, and time- and frequency-domain HRV metrics (SDNN, RMSSD, LF/HF) will be analyzed for predictive associations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 years old with ASA physical status I–II scheduled for elective septorhinoplasty who can provide informed consent and complete anxiety questionnaires.

Not a fit: Patients with known arrhythmias or autonomic dysfunction, those using medications that affect HRV, people with diagnosed anxiety disorders or on preoperative anxiolytics, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those undergoing emergency surgery are unlikely to benefit from the predictive approach tested here.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could identify patients at higher risk for emergence agitation and tailor perioperative care or monitoring to reduce recovery complications.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have linked HRV and preoperative anxiety to adverse perioperative outcomes, but using these measures specifically to predict emergence agitation after septorhinoplasty is relatively novel and not yet well established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 65 years
* ASA physical status I-II
* Scheduled for elective septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia
* Able to provide informed consent and complete questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA physical status III or higher
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Known dysrhythmia/arrhythmia or autonomic dysfunction, or use of medications that may affect autonomic function/HRV
* Diagnosed anxiety disorder
* Use of preoperative anxiolytic medication
* Inability to understand/complete the anxiety scales/questionnaires
* Emergency surgery

Where this trial is running

Konya, Karatay

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Emergence AgitationHeart Rate VariabilitySeptorhinoplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.