INTUBATING CONDITIONS PROVIDED BY PROPOFOL AND ALFENTANIL - ACCEPTABLE, BUT NOT IDEAL

Background: The use of muscle relaxants to facilitate intubation is as sociated with several side effects regardless of whether depolarizing or non-depolarizing drugs are used. In the present study we compared t he intubating conditions, haemodynamic responses and changes in oxygen saturation following induction with alfentanil and propofol or alfent anil, thiopental and suxamethonium. Methods: Eighty patients (ASA I or II) were in a double-blind manner assigned to receive either of the t wo induction methods. Intubating conditions were assessed on the basis of jaw relaxation, ease of insertion of the endotracheal tube and cou ghing on intubation. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were monitored throughout the procedure. Results: The use of alfentanil and propofol resulted in significantly lower scored intu bation points. Systolic arterial pressure decreased and heart rate inc reased significantly in the alfentanil-thiopental-suxamethonium group as compared to the alfentanil-propofol group. There were no significan t changes in oxygen saturation. Conclusion: The results show that prop ofol and alfentanil in combination provides haemodynamic stability and unaltered oxygen saturation but less optimal intubating conditions.