Use of remifentanil and alfentanil in endotracheal intubation: a comparative study

Comparison of Intraoperative Infusion of Remifentanil Versus Fentanyl on Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Double Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid which facilitates hemodynamic management. However, there are concerns about postoperative Remifentanil hyperalgesia because of its potent fast onset and offset.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine visual analog scale (VAS), postoperative pain, and morphine used in two groups after spine surgery.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 patients aged 18 - 60 years old, according to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I - II, who underwent spinal canal stenosis or scoliosis surgery, were divided into two groups. In the control group, patients received 0.07 - 0.1 µg/kg/h intraoperative Fentanyl infusion, and in the intervention group 0.1 - 0.2 µg/kg/min remifentanil was infused during the surgery. Both groups received 15 mg/kg intravenous Acetaminophen 20 minutes before the end of the surgery. Postoperative pain score and morphine consumption were measured 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results

During the first 12 hours, VAS and morphine consumption were significantly higher in remifentanil group (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in morphine consumption 12 - 48 hours after surgery.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Remifentanil infusion during surgery may increase postoperative pain. Also, VAS and morphine consumption were higher during the first 12 hours.

The Determination of an Appropriate Time for Placement of the Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Background

The management of the airways is an essential component of anesthesia planning. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) plays an important role in modern anesthesia, however, intubation by LMA has some complications. It may cause inadequate anesthesia depth, which can lead to adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal time for intubation by LMA under general anesthesia.

Methods

This study was conducted on 96 patients, who underwent operation and were appropriate candidates for intubation with appropriate LMA. The participants were divided to four groups, each with 24 cases, based on the time interval between anesthetic agent administration and intubation with LMA; 15 seconds for the first group, 16 to 30 seconds for the second group, 31 to 45 seconds for the third group, and 45 to 60 seconds for the fourth group. The patients involved in these groups were selected based on the following prerequisites, patients’ age, gender, easy intubation, need for additional drug administration, basic blood pressure before drug administration, within the time intervals one, three, and five minutes after placement of LMA, duration of LMA, SaO₂ before and after placement of LMA, coughing, patient’s movement, laryngospasm, gag reflex after intubation, allowing appropriate ventilation, presence of sore throat after surgery, number of attempts, extent of mouth opening and leak in peri-LMA space.

Results

Overall, 72 males and 24 females participated in this study with a mean age of 40.64. Intubation by LMA was performed easily during the first attempt in 58% of the participants, with minimal resistance in 28.6% and with some problems during the second attempt in 10.5% of the cases. Throat pain after the operation was significantly lower. Systolic and diastolic pressure and heart rate had no statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

The results showed that in the first 15 seconds after the drug (e.g. propofol) administration, there were lower complications, rapid placement, and optimized time for the placement of LMA. The rate of success and its quality were reduced during the first attempt of insertion and termination of the effect of propofol.

Predictors of Difficult Intubation Among Malay Patients in Indonesia

Background

Failure to maintain an adequate airway can lead to brain damage and death. To reduce the risk of difficulty in maintaining an airway during general anesthesia, there are several known predictors of difficult intubation. People with a Malay background have different craniofacial structures in comparison with other individuals. Therefore, different predictors should be used for patients of Malay race.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the ability to predict difficult visualization of the larynx (DVL) in Malay patients based on several predictors, such as the modified Mallampati test (MMT), thyromental distance (TMD), and hyomental distance ratio (HMDR).

Patients and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 277 consecutive patients requiring general anesthesia. All subjects were evaluated using the MMT, TMD, and HMDR, and the cut-off points for the airway predictors were Mallampati III and IV, < 6.5 cm, and < 1.2, respectively. During direct laryngoscopy, the laryngeal view was graded using the Cormack-Lehane (CL) classification. CL grades III and IV were considered difficult visualization. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for each predictor were calculated both as sole and combined predictors. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of DVL.

Results

Difficulty in visualizing the larynx was found in 28 (10.1%) patients. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity for the three airway predictors were as follows: MMT: 0.614, 10.7%, and 99.2%; HMDR: 0.743, 64.2%, and 74%; and TMD: 0.827, 82.1%, and 64.7%. The combination providing the best prediction in our study involved the MMT, HMDR, and TMD with an AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.835, 60.7%, and 88.8%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the MMT, HMDR, and TMD were independent predictors of DVL.

Conclusions

The TMD, with a cut-off point of 65 mm, had superior diagnostic value compared with the HMDR and Mallampati score. Therefore, the TMD could be used in Malay patients to predict the difficulty of larynx visualization during laryngoscopy.

Comparing Clonidine and Lidocaine on Attenuation of Hemodynamic Responses to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation in Controlled Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamic fluctuations in response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation and their potential hazards have been well-recognized, especially in hypertensive patients. Many drugs in various combinations have been used to attenuate these adverse responses.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a study to compare lidocaine with clonidine on the attenuation of hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, in controlled hypertensive patients undergoing general anesthesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-six patients of American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) class II, who were aged 18 to 65-years-old and were scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia, were included. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. The clonidine group received 0.2 mg oral clonidine 90 minutes before surgery and the lidocaine group received a placebo tablet at the same time. All patients in both groups were anesthetized with the same technique, including: intravenous fentanyl 3 mcg/kg, sodium thiopental 5 mg/kg, and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. The lidocaine group received 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine but the clonidine group received the same volume of saline ninety seconds before intubation. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before intubation and 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups' hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures at the measured points. There were also no significant differences within each group in hemodynamic responses at the measured points (P > 0.05). Twenty patients in the clonidine and three patients in the lidocaine group complained of mouth dryness (P = 0.001). Fourteen patients in the clonidine and four patients in the lidocaine group had bradycardia (P = 0.008). Nineteen patients in the clonidine and six patients in the lidocaine group had orthostatic hypotension (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no statistical differences between oral clonidine and intravenous lidocaine regarding attenuation of hemodynamic responses after tracheal intubation in controlled hypertensive patients, although the rate of complications including mouth dryness, bradycardia, and orthostatic hypotension was significantly higher in the clonidine group before induction of anesthesia.

Assessment of the effects of ketamine-fentanyl combination versus propofol-remifentanil combination for sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a diagnostic and treatment procedure is used in most biliary tract and pancreatic. Either sedation or general anesthesia could be considered for this procedure. Combining a sedative with an opioid agent can provide effective moderate sedation. This study compared the impact of ketamine-fentanyl (KF) versus propofol-remifentanil (PR) on sedation scale in patients undergoing ERCP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 80 patients selected by convenient sampling, allocated randomly into two groups. KF group received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg body weight intravenously over 60 s and then fentanyl 1 mcg/kg body weight intravenously. PR group received propofol l mg/kg body weight intravenously over 60 s and then remifentanil 0.05 mcg/kg body weight/min intravenously. Intravenous (IV) infusion of propofol was maintained by 50 mcg/kg body weight/min throughout ERCP. Ramsay Sedation Score, vital signs, oxygen saturation (SpO2), recovery score (modified Aldrete score) and visual analog scales of pain intensity, and endoscopist's satisfaction were considered as measured outcomes. All analysis were analyzed by SPSS Statistics version 22 and using t-test, Chi-square and repeated measured ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests for data analysis.

RESULTS

Respiratory rate and SpO2 level during the time intervals were lower in PR group (P < 0.001). Sedation score at intervals was not significantly different (P = 0.07). The frequency of apnea in PR group was significantly higher than the KF group (P = 0.003). The percentage of need to supplemental oxygen in PR group was 35.1% that was also significantly higher than 8.8% in the KF group (P = 0.008), but the dosage frequency was significantly higher in KF group (P < 0.001). The KF and PR groups average length of stay in the recovery room were 50.71 standard deviation (SD = 9.99) and 42.57 (SD = 11.99) minutes, respectively, indicating a significant difference (P = 0.003). The mean severity of nausea in KF and PR groups was, respectively, 2.74 confidence interval (CI = 1.68-3.81) and 0.43 (CI = 0.11-0.75), that was significantly higher in KF group (P < 0.001). The average score of surgeon satisfaction in both KF and PR groups were 7.69 (CI = 7.16-8.21) and 8.65 (CI = 8.25-9.05), respectively, which was higher in KF group (P = 0.004), but the average level of patients satisfaction in KF group was 8.86 (CI = 8.53-9.19) and in PR group was 8.95 (CI - 8.54-9.35) that were not significantly different (P = 0.074).

CONCLUSION

There is no statistically significant difference between KF and PR combinations in sedation score, but PR combination provides better pain control, with less nausea and shorter recovery time while causing more respiratory side effects, that is, apnea and need to oxygen.

Postoperative sore throat after laryngoscopy with macintosh or glide scope video laryngoscope blade in normal airway patients

Background:

The Glide Scope videolaryngoscope provides a suitable view for intubation, with less force required.

Objectives:

The present study was conducted, to compare postoperative sore throat and hoarseness after laryngoscopy and intubation, by Macintosh blade or Glide Scope video laryngoscope in normal airway patients.

Patients and Methods:

Three hundred patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 150: Macintosh blade laryngoscope or Glide Scope video laryngoscope. The patients were evaluated for 48 hours for sore throat and hoarseness by an interview.

Results:

The incidence and severity of sore throat in the Glide Scope group, at 6, 24 and 48 hours after the operation, were significantly lower than in the Macintosh laryngoscope group. In addition, the incidence of hoarseness in the Glide Scope group, at 6 and 24 hours after the operation, were significantly lower than in the Macintosh laryngoscope group. The incidence and severity of sore throat in men, at 6 and 24 hours after the operation, were significantly lower than in the women.

Conclusions:

The incidence and severity of sore throat and hoarseness after tracheal intubation by Glide Scope were lower than in the Macintosh laryngoscope. The incidence and severity of sore throat were increased by intubation and longer operation times.

Comparison between the effects of alfentanil, fentanyl and sufentanil on hemodynamic indices during rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department

Background:

Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation lead to the alteration of hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure and heart rate, in traumatic patients who sustain rapid sequence intubation (RSI). Various drugs such as fentanyl, alfentanil and sufentanil have been used to modify these hemodynamic responses.

Objectives:

The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of fentanyl, sufentanil and alfentanil in trauma patients who require RSI in the emergency department (ED).

Patients and Methods:

This was a randomized double-blinded study conducted on 90 patients (18-65 years old, ASA I, II), who needed intubation following trauma. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, Group I, Group II and Group III, who have received alfentanil, fentanyl and sufentanil, respectively. Heart rate, blood pressure, saturation of peripheral oxygen and end-tidal carbon dioxide were measured 5 minutes before and 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation, respectively. The changes of the hemodynamic parameters were compared in between groups. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA, General Linear Model Repeated Measure and Mauchly’s Sphericity Test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

There was no significant statistical difference among groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusions:

Alfentanil, fentanyl and sufentanil can be used safely as premedication drugs for trauma patients who need intubation.

Propofol is Effective to Depress Fentanyl-Induced Cough during Induction of Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Various attempts have been made to reduce the incidence of fentanyl-induced cough during anesthesia induction. We hypothesized that an appropriate dose of propofol might suppress fentanyl-induced cough.

OBJECTIVES

A study had been designed to observe the effects of propofol on a fentanyl-induced cough during anesthesia induction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the effect of the pre-emptive use of minimal dose intravenous propofol (20 mg) on the incidence of cough caused by a larger bolus of intravenous fentanyl. Group 1 patients were given fentanyl at a dosage of 4 µg/kg. Group 2 received 4µg/kg fentanyl and 20 mg propofol. The two groups were evaluated in 0, 5 and 10 second intervals following the injection of fentanyl.

RESULTS

Mean age, weight, and, height was 35 ± 10.45, 67.99 ± 10.92, and 165.33 ± 31.84 respectively. The incidence of fentanyl induced cough was 29 (74.4%) in placebo group compared with 10 (25.6%) in the propofol group. There was a significant difference in the incidence and severity of cough between group 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001). This study also showed that propofol could decrease cough incidence in patients who smoke.

CONCLUSIONS

Priming dose of propofol (20mg) one minute prior to fentanyl injection was effective in suppressing a fentanyl-induced cough.

Comparison of fentanyl and fentanyl plus lidocaine on attenuation of hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation in controlled hypertensive patients undergoing general anesthesia

Background

Induction of anesthesia and endotracheal intubation often creates a period of hemodynamic instability in hypertensive patients. Endotracheal intubation of the trachea stimulates laryngeal and tracheal sensory receptors, resulting in a marked increase in the elaboration of sympathetic amines.

Objectives

This trial aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of fentanyl and fentanyl plus lidocaine in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in hypertensive patients.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial in 37 patients with hypertension in the Rasoul-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March to December 2011. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (fentanyl group and fentanyl plus lidocaine group). The fentanyl group received 2 mcg/kg and the fentanyl plus lidocaine group received 1.5mg lidocaine and 2mcg/kg fentanyl. Hemodynamic variables were recorded at baseline, after giving inductive anesthetic agents, and 1, 3 and 5 minutes after performing endotracheal intubation.

Results

We evaluated 37 patients including 15 males (40.54%) and 22 females (59.46%), with a mean age of 56.08 ± 10.85 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding; heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure before induction, 3 minutes before intubation and 1, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation.

Conclusions

Fentanyl and fentanyl plus lidocaine effectively decreased the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation, however, neither fentanyl nor fentanyl plus lidocaine, could inhibit all hemodynamic responses, moreover fentanyl plus lidocaine was not more effective than fentanyl alone.

Comparison of remifentanil and fentanyl regarding hemodynamic changes due to endotracheal intubation in preeclamptic parturient candidate for cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Intravenous opioids are administered to prevent and control hemodynamic changes due to endotracheal intubation. Except for special cases such as preeclampsia, these drugs are not recommended for parturants candidate for cesarean section because of the respiratory depression caused in the newborn.

OBJECTIVES

According to rapid metabolism of remifentanil, the current study aimed to compare hemodynamic changes in preeclamptic parturants who received remifentanil and fentanyl for cesarean section under general anesthesia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This single blind randomized clinical trial was performed on preeclamptic pregnant women candidate for cesarean section under general anesthesia. They were divided into two groups. In the first group 0.05 μg/kg/min remifentanil was infused for 3 minutes before induction of anesthesia and in the second group 1ml (50 μg) fentanyl was injected before induction. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) before and after intubation and also Apgar index were measured and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All hemodynamic variables increased after intubation in the fentanyl group (pSBP = 0.146, pDBP = 0.019, pHR < 0.001). Additionally, decrease in SBP (P = 0.018) and DBP (P = 0.955) and mild increase in HR (P = 0.069) after intubation in the remifentanil group was observed. No significant difference was found between Apgar indexes of the two groups (P = 0.771).

CONCLUSIONS

It can be postulated that remifentanil can be used in partituents candidate for cesarean delivery under general anesthesia to prevent severe increase in blood pressure and heart rate during tracheal intubation without adverse effects on newborn.