Hemodynamic Changes between Different Remifentanil Administration Methods during Induction in the Elderly

Yim, Eun Bin; Lee, Guie Yong; Han, Jong In; Chung, Rack Kyung

Abstract

BACKGOUND: The elderly have increased sensitivity to opioids and anesthetics. The hemodynamic effects of propofol- remifentanil during induction are not known in the elderly. This study was designed to compare two different remifentanil administration methods during propofol-remifentanil induction and tracheal intubation in the elderly.
METHODS
Forty patients, ages over 65 years were enrolled. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 1 mg/kg and remifentanil. In Group T (TCI : target controlled infusion), remifentanil 3.5 ng/ml were infused until laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. In Group R (rapid infusion), infusion were stopped when effect-site concentration reaches 5.0 ng/ml. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction (baseline), after remifentanil reaches its target effect-site concentration, after administration of propofol, 1 minute before intubation, 1 minute after intubation and 3 minute after intubation.
RESULTS
In both groups, MAP decreased significantly after induction and then increases significantly after intubation (P < 0.05). In Group R, MAP decreased earlier and was significantly lower than that of Group T (P < 0.05) before intubation. HR shows no significant changes between groups.
CONCLUSIONS
In these two methods, there are no severe hemodynamic compromise during induction and tracheal intubation in the elderly. However, lesser degree of hypotension occurs in Group T. So we conclude that TCI method can provide better hemodynamic stability than rapid infusion method.