Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Rocuronium”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 757 records · Page 42Linked to original sources

Different patterns of mast cell activation by muscle relaxants in human skin.

BACKGROUND: Activation of mast cells and systemic release of histamine are major side effects of intravenously administered muscle relaxants. In the current study, dermal microdialysis was used for the investigation of mast cell activation by muscle relaxants. Dermal microdialysis enabled simultaneous assessment of mediator release, vascular reactions, and sensory effects induced by intradermal application of muscle relaxants without systemic side effects. METHODS: Succinylcholine, the isoquinolines cisatracurium, atracurium, and mivacurium, and the steroids pancuronium, vecuronium, rocuronium, and rapacuronium were tested in human volunteers (n = 6 each). After intradermal insertion of microdialysis capillaries (0.4 mm diameter, cutoff 3,000 kd) and a 60-min equilibration period, the muscle relaxants were delivered via the capillaries for 30 min, followed by a 30-min washout period. Dialysate was sampled at 15-min intervals, and histamine, mast cell tryptase, and protein extravasation were determined. Changes in skin blood flow were measured using a laser Doppler imager. Potency and efficacy were derived from nonlinear fittings of the dose-response curves. RESULTS: For succinylcholine and the isoquinolines, dose-response curves for the vascular and sensory effects paralleled the histamine and tryptase release. In contrast, aminosteroids evoked a rapid histamine release that was accompanied by a delayed increase in tryptase. CONCLUSIONS: Dermal microdialysis has been successfully used to simultaneously assess mediator release, vascular reactions, and sensory effects. The different pattern of tryptase release by isoquinolines and aminosteroids suggests different mechanisms of mast cell activation.

Adult↗

Effects of surgical levels of propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia on cerebral blood flow in healthy subjects studied with positron emission tomography.

BACKGROUND: The authors report a positron emission tomography (PET) study on humans with parallel exploration of the dose-dependent effects of an intravenous (propofol) and a volatile (sevoflurane) anesthetic agent on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using quantitative and relative (Statistical Parametric Mapping [SPM]) analysis. METHODS: Using H(2)(15)O, rCBF was assessed in 16 healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status I) volunteers awake and at three escalating drug concentrations: 1, 1.5, and 2 MAC/EC(50), or specifically, at either 2, 3, and 4% end-tidal sevoflurane (n = 8), or 6, 9, and 12 microg/ml plasma concentration of propofol (n = 8). Rocuronium was used for muscle relaxation. RESULTS: Both drugs decreased the bispectral index and blood pressure dose-dependently. Comparison between adjacent levels showed that sevoflurane initially (0 vs. 1 MAC) reduced absolute rCBF by 36-53% in all areas, then (1 vs. 1.5 MAC) increased rCBF in the frontal cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum (7-16%), and finally (1.5 vs. 2 MAC) caused a dual effect with a 23% frontal reduction and a 38% cerebellar increase. In the propofol group, flow was also initially reduced by 62-70%, with minor further effects. In the SPM analysis of the "awake to 1 MAC/EC(50)" step, both anesthetic agents reduced relative rCBF in the cuneus, precuneus, posterior limbic system, and the thalamus or midbrain; additionally, propofol reduced relative rCBF in the parietal and frontal cortices. CONCLUSIONS: Both anesthetic agents caused a global reduction of rCBF (propofol > sevoflurane) at the 1 MAC/EC(50) level. The effect was maintained at higher propofol concentrations, whereas 2 MAC sevoflurane caused noticeable flow redistribution. Despite the marked global changes, SPM analysis enabled detailed localization of regions with the greatest relative decreases.

Adult↗

Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions occurring during anesthesia in France in 1999-2000.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions occurring during anesthesia remain a major cause of concern for anesthesiologists. The authors report the results of a 2-yr survey of such reactions observed during anesthesia in France. METHODS: Between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2000, 789 patients who experienced immune-mediated (anaphylaxis) or nonimmune-mediated (anaphylactoid) reactions were referred to one of the 40 participating centers. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, skin tests, and/or specific immunoglobulin E assay. RESULTS: Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions were diagnosed in 518 cases (66%) and 271 cases (34%), respectively. The most common causes of anaphylaxis were neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) (n = 306, 58.2%), latex (n = 88, 16.7%), and antibiotics (n = 79, 15.1%). Rocuronium (n = 132, 43.1%) and succinylcholine (n = 69, 22.6%) were the most frequently incriminated NMBAs. Cross-reactivity between NMBAs was observed in 75.1% of cases of anaphylaxis to an NMBA. No difference was observed between anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions when the incidences of atopy, asthma, or drug intolerance were compared. However, atopy, asthma, and food allergy were significantly more frequent in the case of latex allergy when compared with NMBA allergy. Clinical manifestations were more severe in anaphylaxis. The positive predictive value of tryptase for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis was 92.6%; the negative predictive value was 54.3%. The diagnostic value of specific NMBA immunoglobulin E assays was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: These results further corroborate the need for systematic screening in the case of anaphylactoid reaction during anesthesia and for the constitution of allergoanesthesia centers to provide expert advice to anesthesiologists and allergists.

Adult↗

Anaphylaxis during anesthesia in Norway: a 6-year single-center follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have recognized neuromuscular blocking agents as the most common cause of anaphylaxis during general anesthesia, but the reported frequencies vary considerably between countries. In Norway, the issue has raised special concern because of reports from the Norwegian Medicines Agency that suggest a high prevalence. This article presents the results from a standardized allergy follow-up examination of 83 anaphylactic reactions related to general anesthesia performed at one allergy center in Bergen, Norway. METHODS: Eighty-three cases were examined during the 6-yr period of 1996-2001. The diagnostic protocol consisted of case history, serum tryptase measurements, specific immunoassays, and skin tests. RESULTS: Immunoglobulin E-mediated anaphylaxis was established in 71.1% of the cases, and neuromuscular blocking agents were by far the most frequent allergen (93.2%). Suxamethonium was the most frequently involved substance, followed by rocuronium and vecuronium. The few reactions in which other allergies could be detected were mainly linked to latex (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular blocking agents were the dominating antigens causing immunoglobulin E-mediated anaphylaxis in this study. The data could not be used for estimation of the incidence of allergy toward neuromuscular blocking agents in Norway. Larger patient samples, standardization of reporting, and diagnostic protocols should be pursued by network formation to produce data more suitable for epidemiologic research.

Adult↗

Prevention of succinylcholine-induced fasciculation and myalgia: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Fifty-two randomized trials (5,318 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. In controls, the incidence of fasciculation was 95%, and the incidence of myalgia at 24 h was 50%. Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, lidocaine, or magnesium prevented fasciculation (number needed to treat, 1.2-2.5). Best prevention of myalgia was with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (number needed to treat, 2.5) and with rocuronium or lidocaine (number needed to treat, 3). There was a dose-dependent risk of blurred vision, diplopia, voice disorders, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing (number needed to harm, < 3.5) with muscle relaxants. There was evidence of less myalgia with 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine (compared with 1 mg/kg). Opioids had no impact. Succinylcholine-induced fasciculation may best be prevented with muscle relaxants, lidocaine, or magnesium. Myalgia may best be prevented with muscle relaxants, lidocaine, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. The risk of potentially serious adverse events with muscle relaxants is not negligible. Data that allow for a risk-benefit assessment are lacking for other drugs.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Distinct pharmacologic properties of neuromuscular blocking agents on human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: a possible explanation for the train-of-four fade.

BACKGROUND: Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are extensively used in the practice of anesthesia and intensive care medicine. Their primary site of action is at the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the neuromuscular junction, but their action on neuronal nAChRs have not been fully evaluated. Furthermore, observed adverse effects of nondepolarizing NMBAs might originate from an interaction with neuronal nAChRs. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of clinically used nondepolarizing NMBAs on muscle and neuronal nAChR subtypes. METHODS: Xenopus laevis oocytes were injected with messenger RNA encoding for the subunits included in the human alpha1beta1epsilondelta, alpha3beta2, alpha3beta4, alpha4beta2, and alpha7 nAChR subtypes. The interactions between each of these nAChR subtypes and atracurium, cisatracurium, d-tubocurarine, mivacurium, pancuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium were studied using an eight-channel two-electrode voltage clamp setup. Responses were measured as peak current and net charge. RESULTS: All nondepolarizing NMBAs inhibited both muscle and neuronal nAChRs. The neuronal nAChRs were reversibly and concentration-dependently inhibited in the low micromolar range. The mechanism (i.e., competitive vs. noncompetitive) of the block at the neuronal nAChRs was dependent both on subtype and the NMBA tested. The authors did not observe activation of the nAChR subtypes by any of the NMBAs tested. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that nondepolarizing NMBAs concentration-dependently inhibit human neuronal nAChRs. The inhibition of the presynaptic alpha3beta2 nAChR subtype expressed at the motor nerve ending provides a possible molecular explanation for the tetanic and train-of-four fade seen during a nondepolarizing neuromuscular block.

Acetylcholine↗

Do we need muscular blockers in ambulatory anaesthesia?

Since the introduction of the laryngeal mask airway, the majority of day case patients can safely be anaesthetized without the administration of muscle relaxants. If muscle relaxation is required, the modern non-depolarizing agents, vecuronium, rocuronium, atracurium, cisatracurium and mivacurium, provide an excellent choice. Succinylcholine should be regarded mainly as an option in the event of an emergency intubation, especially in paediatric patients.

Journal Article↗

General anesthetic techniques.

General anesthesia is the most common form of anesthetic management for ambulatory surgery. Patients, in general, prefer general anesthesia because it is less anxiety provoking. During the last decade, the availability of several short-acting agents with high clearance has made general anesthetic techniques much safer and more predictable for outpatients. Besides, general anesthesia today is associated with a quick and full recovery with minimal postoperative side effects. Proper preanesthetic psychological and, when necessary, pharmacological preparation as well as proper selection of anesthetic agents are the keys to the success of general anesthetic technique for ambulatory surgery. Although both TIVA and total inhalation anesthetic techniques have their advocates, balanced anesthesia is most popular. The introduction of several new agents (e.g., propofol, desflurane, vecuronium, atracurium, mivacurium, rocuronium, alfentanil, ondansetron, ketorolac) has made ambulatory general anesthesia less challenging and more interesting. In the future, the new anesthetic sevoflurane, and the new opioid remifentanil, may prove useful for ambulatory anesthesia. The LMA has all but revolutionized airway management during general anesthesia for ambulatory surgery.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

Heart rate variability and plasma catecholamines in patients during opioid detoxification.

It has been shown that rapid opioid detoxification is associated with increased sympathetic activity (SYMP) and plasma catecholamines. Heart rate (HR) variability may provide a noninvasive method of evaluating withdrawal and sympathetic activation caused by the reversal of opioid binding in patients who are opioid dependent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between HR variability and plasma catecholamines during opioid detoxification. Patients were anesthetized with propofol, intubated, paralyzed with rocuronium infusion, and ventilated. The bispectral index (BIS) of the electroencephalogram was recorded with the patient awake as well as during propofol anesthesia. SYMP was determined by power spectral analysis of HR variability. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured at baseline propofol anesthesia and during naltrexone treatment in eight opioid-dependent patients. Nonopioid-dependent controls (n = 7) were monitored during surgery without naltrexone treatment or measurement of plasma catecholamines. Compared with an awake status, propofol anesthesia significantly decreased the BIS and SYMP in both groups of patients. Controls showed no change from baseline anesthetized levels during surgery. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine as well as SYMP increased 300 to 400% (P < .05) during naltrexone treatment in opioid-dependent patients, and the time to peak increase in plasma norepinephrine correlated with the increase in SYMP (r = 0.89, P < .01). These results confirm that opioid detoxification increases plasma catecholamines and SYMP in a similar manner. HR rate variability may provide a low-cost real-time noninvasive method of evaluating the reversal of opioid binding in opioid-dependent patients.

Adult↗

Hypotensive anesthesia and recovery of cognitive function in long-term craniofacial surgery.

The aim of our study was to compare three different anesthesiological techniques with regard to hemodynamics, recovery, and postoperative morbidity, for craniofacial surgery. One hundred twenty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of I or II patients, 18 to 32 years old, and undergoing maxillary and mandibular osteotomies were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil (group P), desflurane-remifentanil (group D), or sevoflurane-remifentanil (group S). All patients were given premedication: midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, atropine 0.007 mg/kg, desametasone 0.1 mg/kg, NaCl 0.9% 100 mL + 2 mg/kg ketoprofene + 1.5 mg/kg ranitidine + 1 microg/kg clonidine. Anesthesia was induced by O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.5 microg/kg/min, propofol 2 mg/kg, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Maintenance group P received O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.25 to 1.5 microg/kg/min, propofol 6 to 10 mg/kg/h; groups D and S received O2/air (FiO2 0.5), remifentanil 0.25 to 1.5 microg/kg/min, and respectively, sevoflurane or desflurane 0.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration. The dosage of propofol, desflurane, and sevoflurane, obtained with a value of bispectral index (BIS) 40, was kept unchanged throughout the course, and remifentanil was titrated to maintain controlled hypotension: systolic arterial blood pressure 70 to 90 mmHg and mean arterial blood pressure 50 to 65 mmHg. A 24-hour elastomeric infusion system (ketoprofene 320 mg) was started 60 minutes before induction and cloridrat ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg was administered 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Hypotension was successfully obtained in all three groups with a bloodless surgical field, and there was no need for additional use of a potent hypotensive agent. Early and late recovery were faster and more complete in the D group; P < 0.05. Postoperative morbidity (nausea, vomiting, shivering, pain, and edema) was slight and did not significantly differ among the groups.

Adolescent↗

The effect of paramedic rapid sequence intubation on outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of paramedic rapid sequence intubation (RSI) on outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS: Adult major trauma victims were prospectively enrolled over two years using the following inclusion criteria: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-8, suspected head injury by mechanism or physical examination, transport time > 10," and inability to intubate without RSI. Midazolam and succinylcholine were administered before laryngoscopy; rocuronium was given after tube placement was confirmed using physical examination, capnometry, syringe aspiration, and pulse oximetry. The Combitube was used as a salvage airway device. For this analysis, trial patients were excluded for absence of a head injury (Head/Neck AIS score < 2), failure to fulfill major trauma outcome study criteria, unsuccessful intubation or Combitube insertion, or death in the field or in the resuscitation suite within 30" of arrival. Each study patient was hand matched to three nonintubated historical controls from our trauma registry using the following parameters: age, sex, mechanism of injury, trauma center, and AIS score for each body system. Controls were excluded for Head/Neck AIS defined by a c-spine injury or death in the field or in the resuscitation suite within 30" of arrival. chi 2, odds ratios, and logistic regression were used to investigate the impact of RSI on the primary outcome measures of mortality and incidence of a "good outcome," defined as discharge to home, rehabilitation, psychiatric facility, jail, or signing out against medical advice. RESULTS: A total of 209 trial patients were hand matched to 627 controls. The groups were similar with regard to all matching parameters, admission vital signs, frequency of specific head injury diagnoses, and incidence of invasive procedures. Mortality was significantly increased in the trial cohort versus controls for all patients (33.0% versus 24.2%, p < 0.05) and in those with Head/Neck AIS scores of 3 or greater (41.1% versus 30.3%, p < 0.05). The incidence of a "good outcome" was lower in the trial cohort versus controls (45.5% versus 57.9%, p < 0.01). Factors that may have contributed to the increase in mortality include transient hypoxia, inadvertent hyperventilation, and longer scene times associated with the RSI procedure. CONCLUSION: Paramedic RSI protocols to facilitate intubation of head-injured patients were associated with an increase in mortality and decrease in good outcomes versus matched historical controls.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

The impact of hypoxia and hyperventilation on outcome after paramedic rapid sequence intubation of severely head-injured patients.

BACKGROUND: An increase in mortality has been documented in association with paramedic rapid sequence intubation (RSI) of severely head-injured patients. This analysis explores the impact of hypoxia and hyperventilation on outcome. METHODS: Adult severely head-injured patients (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-8) unable to be intubated without neuromuscular blockade underwent paramedic RSI using midazolam and succinylcholine; rocuronium was administered after confirmation of tube position. Standard ventilation parameters were used for most patients; however, one agency instituted use of digital end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and oxygen saturation (Spo2) monitoring during the trial. Each patient undergoing digital ETCO2/Spo2 monitoring was matched to three historical nonintubated controls on the basis of age, gender, mechanism, and Abbreviated Injury Scale scores for each of six body regions. Logistic regression was used to explore the impact of oxygen desaturation during laryngoscopy and postintubation hypocapnia and hypoxia on outcome. The relationship between hypocapnia and ventilatory rate was explored using linear regression and univariate analysis. In addition, trial patients and controls were compared with regard to mortality and the incidence of "good outcomes" using an odds ratio analysis. RESULTS: Of the 426 trial patients, a total of 59 had complete ETCO2/Spo2 monitoring data; these were matched to 177 controls. Logistic regression revealed an association between the lowest ETCO2 value and final ETCO2 value and mortality. Matched-controls analysis confirmed an association between hypocapnia and mortality. A statistically significant association between ventilatory rate and ETCO2 value was observed (r = -0.13, p < 0.0001); the median ventilatory rate associated with the lowest recorded ETCO2 value was significantly higher than for all other ETCO2 values (27 mm Hg vs. 19 mm Hg, p < 0.0001). In addition, profound desaturations during RSI and hypoxia after intubation were associated with higher mortality than matched controls. Overall mortality was 41% for trial patients versus 22% for matched controls (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-4.72; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperventilation and severe hypoxia during paramedic RSI are associated with an increase in mortality.

Adult↗

Effects of neuromuscular-blocking drugs in rats in vivo: direct measurements in the diaphragm and tibialis anterior muscle.

BACKGROUND: Effects of neuromuscular-blocking drugs are often investigated in rodents using both the diaphragm in vitro and the tibialis anterior muscle in vivo. Differences in the properties of these muscles cannot be neglected. We evaluated the neuromuscular effects of drugs on the rat diaphragm in vivo in comparison with the tibialis anterior muscle, directly measuring twitch tension with a force transducer. METHODS: Respectively using sternotomy and an approach via the gluteal space, transducers were attached to the diaphragm and the tibialis anterior muscle. Phrenic and sciatic nerves were stimulated supramaximally by single square pulses to record isometric contraction of muscles. Pancuronium, vecuronium, or rocuronium was infused continuously at a rate adjusted repeatedly until stable tension was obtained. Effective doses for 50% (ED 50) and 90% (ED 90) depression of tension were calculated, using a cumulative infusion dosing method. RESULTS: Isometric contraction of the diaphragm could be recorded despite movements of the heart and lungs. For all three drugs, both mean ED 50 and ED 90 were more than twice as large for the diaphragm as for the tibialis anterior (P<0.05). In addition, slopes of dose-response curves for the diaphragm were significantly less steep than those of the tibialis anterior for the three drugs. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular-blocking effects on the diaphragm can be recorded in vivo. According to direct contractile force measurement, the diaphragm is more resistant to non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking drugs than the tibialis anterior muscle.

Animals↗

A prospective, randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of pre-oxygenation in the 20 degrees head-up vs supine position.

We investigated whether positioning patients undergoing general anaesthesia for cholecystectomy in a 20 degrees head-up position, as opposed to supine, improved the efficacy of 3 min of standard pre-oxygenation via a circle breathing system. Following pre-oxygenation, patients received a standard induction of anaesthesia and the apnoea time (from administration of rocuronium to the arterial oxygen saturation to fall to 95%) was recorded. Mean (95% CI) apnoea time was 386 (343-429) s in the 20 degrees head-up position (n = 17) vs 283 (243-322) s in the supine position (n = 18; p = 0.002). Pre-oxygenation is significantly more efficacious and by inference more efficient in the 20 degrees head-up position than in the supine position.

Adult↗

Anti-emetic prophylaxis with oral tropisetron and/or dexamethasone.

BACKGROUND: The corticosteroid dexamethasone and the serotonine3 -antagonist tropisetron are both effective drugs for the prophylaxis of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) when given intravenously. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the oral use of both drugs as part of a routine oral premedication and to compare their single and combined effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 320 inpatients with a moderate-high risk of PONV (> or = 40% according to two validated risk scores) received an oral premedication 1-2 h pre-operatively with placebo, a fixed dose of tropisetron 5 mg, dexamethasone 8 mg, or a combination of both drugs. A standardized general anaesthesia was performed, including benzodiazepine premedication, propofol, rocuronium, desflurane in air/O2, fentanyl or sufentanil followed by a continuous infusion of remifentanil. Post-operative analgesia and anti-emetic rescue medication were standardized. The main outcome measures were the severity of PONV within the first 24 h (rated by a standardized scoring algorithm). The incidence of PONV was used as the secondary outcome. RESULTS: Data from 310 patients were analyzed. The mean severity score in the placebo-, tropisetron-, dexamethasone- and the combined-groups was 1.37, 0.8, 0.8 and 0.38, respectively. The incidence of PONV of any severity was 59.2%, 37.5%, 40% and 22.8%, respectively. The reduction of the incidence and the severity of PONV were statistically significant with all three interventions. Results from additional analyses suggested that both drugs were equally effective and that there was a simple additive effect of tropisetron and dexamethasone compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Oral tropisetron and dexamethasone were both equally effective in reducing the severity and incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting. The latter could be reduced by approximately 35% in a population of moderate-high risk for PONV. Both drugs had an additive effect. However, even in the combination group there still remained an unacceptably high incidence of PONV of more than 20%. This highlighted the need for a multimodal anti-emetic approach in high-risk patients and the importance of treatment of PONV.

Administration, Oral↗

Muscle relaxants in renal disease.

The use of neuromuscular blocking drugs during anaesthesia for patients with chronic renal failure is discussed. The disadvantages of the older non-depolarizing agents, such as tubocurarine, alcuronium, and pancuronium are outlined, as are the significant benefits of the use of atracurium or vecuronium in these patients. Preliminary reports on the new non-depolarizing drugs, pipecuronium, mivacurium, doxacurium, and rocuronium are also noted.

Anesthesia↗

The effect of remifentanil on cerebral blood flow velocity in children anesthetized with propofol.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular stability and rapid anesthetic emergence are desirable features of a neuroanesthetic regimen. In this randomized crossover study the effect of a low-dose remifentanil infusion on cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in children anesthetized with propofol was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty healthy children aged 1-6 years undergoing urological surgery were enrolled. Following face mask induction with sevoflurane, anesthesia was maintained with a standardized propofol infusion. Rocuronium was used to facilitate tracheal intubation and normothermia, and normocapnia were maintained. All children received a caudal epidural block, and a transcranial Doppler probe was placed to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca). Each patient received a remifentanil regimen of 0.5 microg x kg(-1) followed by 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) in a predetermined order of remifentanil + propofol or propofol alone. Vmca, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded simultaneously at equilibrium with and without remifentanil. RESULTS: The combination of remifentanil and propofol caused an 8.1% decrease in MAP (P = 0.0005) and an 11.8% decrease in HR (P < 0.0001) compared with propofol alone. Vmca was not different between the two groups (P = 0.4041). CONCLUSION: The addition of remifentanil to propofol anesthesia in children causes a reduction in MAP and HR without affecting CBFV. This may imply that cerebral blood pressure autoregulation is preserved in children under propofol and remifentanil anesthesia.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Evaluation of intraocular pressure in association with cardiovascular parameters in normocapnic dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane and desflurane.

The objective of this study was to determine intraocular pressure (IOP) and cardiac changes in normocapnic dogs maintained under controlled ventilation and anesthetized using sevoflurane or desflurane. Sixteen healthy adult mixed-breed dogs, seven males and nine females, weighing 10-15 kg were used. The dogs were randomly assigned to one of two groups composed of eight animals anesthetized with sevoflurane (SEVO) or desflurane (DESF). In both groups, anesthesia was induced with propofol (10 mg/kg), and neuromuscular blockade was achieved with rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg/h i.v.). No premedication was given. Ventilation was adjusted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure at 35 mmHg. Anesthesia was maintained with 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane or desflurane. In both groups IOP was measured by applanation tonometry (Tono-Pen) before induction of anesthesia. IOP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI) and central venous pressure (CVP) were also measured 45 min after the beginning of inhalant anesthesia and then every 20 min for 60 min. A one-way repeated measures anova was used to compare data within the same group and Student's t-test was used to assess differences between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Measurements showed normal IOP values in both groups, even though IOP increased significantly from baseline during the use of desflurane. IOP did not differ between groups. CI in the desflurane group was significantly greater than in the sevoflurane group. Sevoflurane and desflurane have no clinically significant effects on IOP, MAP, HR, CI or VCP in the dog.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗