Anesthesiology
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Remifentanil (GI87084B) is a new short-acting opioid with a unique ester structure. Metabolism of remifentanil by ester hydrolysis results in very rapid elimination. The aim of this study was to characterize in detail the pharmacokinetic profile of remifentanil in healthy male volunteers. ⋯ Remifentanil is a new, short-acting opioid with promising clinical potential in anesthesiology.
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The newly developed neuromuscular blocking agent, mivacurium, has been evaluated in adults and children, but there are no data on its effects in infants. This study was designed to evaluate the neuromuscular effects of mivacurium by dose-response analysis, and its cardiovascular effects in 90 infants 2-11 months of age anesthetized with 1% halothane and nitrous oxide:oxygen. ⋯ The ED50 duration of action and infusion requirements of mivacurium in infants 2-6 months of age are comparable with those of infants 7-11 months of age.
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Propofol has been used for the maintenance of anesthesia. The effects of propofol infusion on splanchnic hemodynamics and liver oxygen consumption, however, have not been reported. In the current investigation, the authors studied the effects of a continuous infusion of propofol on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics using a new method to measure liver oxygen consumption in awake control and anesthetized rats. ⋯ The maintenance of anesthesia using an infusion of propofol resulted in an increase in liver oxygen consumption that was fully compensated for by an increase in oxygen delivery to the liver. Splanchnic hemodynamics and liver oxygenation are not adversely affected during maintenance of anesthesia with propofol in the normal rat.