Oliceridine Versus Sufentanil Analgesia for Postoperative Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Opioids are frequently used for postoperative analgesia but may induce side effects. Opioid-induced respiratory depression is the most dangerous side effect of opioids. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at higher risk for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Oliceridine is a novel biased μ-opioid receptor agonist that selectively engages the G-protein pathway while reducing β-arrestin recruitment and thus may lower the risk of respiratory depression. The goal of this observational study is to compare the effects of oliceridine versus sufentanil analgesia on the incidence of postoperative respiratory depression in patients with known or suspected OSA in the postoperative period following elective surgery.