A Comparison of the Effects of Remifentanil and Alfentanil on Hemodynamic Responses to Endotracheal Intubation in Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation often provoke an undesirable increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This response may be exaggerated in patients with essential hypertension. We compared the effect of administration of remifentanil and alfentanil on the hemodynamic responses to endotracheal intubation in patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Forty patients with essential hypertension were allocated into two groups. The remifentanil group received 0.5micro g/kg remifentanil followed by an infusion of 0.25microg/kg/min remifentanil. The alfentanil group received 10microg/kg alfentanil intravenously. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and vecuronium, and was maintained with 2 vol% sevoflurane with 100% oxygen. Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed 3 min after vecuronium administration. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured in patients after arrival at the operating room and before and after intubation. RESULTS: The systolic and mean blood pressure after intubation showed significantly higher values in the alfentanil group of patients than in the remifentanil group of patients. There was no significant difference in blood pressure measured at baseline and after intubation in the remifentanil group of patients, but blood pressure showed significantly higher values after intubation in the alfentanil group of patients. Heart rate showed significantly higher values after intubation than at baseline in each group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the administration of 0.5micro g/kg remifentanil followed by an infusion of 0.25microg/kg/min remifentanil attenuated the pressor response to endotracheal intubation more significantly than the administration of 10microg/kg alfentanil in patients with essential hypertension.

Acute Airway Obstruction by a Retropharyngeal Hematoma when Performing Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare, but a life-threatening complication when an internal jugular vein cannulation is performed in a patient with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. This report presents the case of a patient with acute airway obstruction that was caused by retropharyngeal hematoma. We discuss the diagnosis, airway management and treatment of this condition.

Anaphylaxis after injection of ketorolac in the recovery room: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Anaphylaxis is an acute onset, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction. Multiple agents can cause anaphylaxis in the perioperative setting. Ketorolac is a potent analgesic drug and has been widely used for postoperative pain control. A 38-year-old male patient, who had surgery under general anesthesia without any problems, was scheduled for a spinal fusion. There were no problems during anesthesia. In post anesthetic care unit, he was given 30 mg of ketorolac intravenously. After the ketorolac injection, severe hypotension and tachycardia developed and delayed skin rash and wheel appeared. The patient was given epinephrine, antihistamine and steroid. The patient recovered without any significant complications.