[Effects of various alfentanil doses on blood pressure, heart rate and plasma catecholamine level in endotracheal intubation].

Abstract

Method: In 56 patients undergoing arthroscopy of the knee blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and plasma catecholamines were measured during induction of anaesthesia. To a standard treatment including etomidate (K), either 1 (A1), 2 (A2) or 3 (A3) mg alfentanil were added. The control-group included 8 patients, the other groups consisted of 16 patients. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured the day before anaesthesia (T1), at the arrival in the operation theatre (T2), 1 minute after the induction (T3) and 1 minute after intubation (T4). Catecholamines were analysed at T2 and T4. -

Results: At T1 and T2 no significant differences were measured. The control-group had a significant rise of BP, HR and adrenalin at T4. In group A1 (1 mg alfentanil) BP and catocholamines remained at the same levels, HR rose significantly. In group A2 all parameters did not change. The group A3, BP dropped significantly, whereas the other parameters remained stable.-

Discussion: 2 mg Alfentanil given 1 minute before endotracheal intubation depress the sympathoadrenergic reactions but do not impair the circulation.