Effects of remifentanil pretreatment on sufentanil-induced cough
suppression during the induction of general anesthesia
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil
pretreatment on sufentanil-induced cough (SIC) during general anesthesia
induction. Methods: A total of 120 patients who were scheduled for
elective surgery were equally randomized into two groups (n=60 each).
Patients in R group received 0.5 μg/kg remifentanil and N group received
same volume of normal saline 1 minute before sufentanil (0.5 μg/kg)
intravenous injection. Remifentanil and sufentanil were diluted to 5ml
and then administered to patients in both R and N groups within 5
seconds. Then midazolam, etomidate and rocuronium bromide were given to
facilitate tracheal intubation. The incidence and severity of cough in
both groups were recorded within 2 minutes after sufentanil
administration during general anesthesia induction. The mean arterial
pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) were
recorded at T1 (before the injection of remifentanil or normal saline),
T2 (1 minute after remifentanil administration), T3 (before intubation)
and T4 (1 minute after intubation). Additionally, the incidences of
adverse events, including dizziness, nausea, apnea, truncal rigidity,
bradycardia or other adverse effects were also recorded. Results: The
incidence of SIC in R group was significantly decreased when compared
with N group (3.33% vs 35.00%, respectively; P < 0.001). No
statistical differences were found in MAP, HR, SpO2, and the incidences
of other side effects between two groups at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (P
> 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with remifentanil 0.5
μg/kg can effectively and safely suppress the incidence and severity of
sufentanil-induced cough.