Clinical observation of target-controlled infusion of propofol-remifentanil for anesthesia in patients with thalassanemia

Objective This study was designed to observe the effect of anesthesia with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol-remifentanil and evaluate the feasibility of venous anesthesia in patients with thalassanemia.Methods Forty ASAⅠ～Ⅱwomen patients undergoing gynopathic laparoscopy were divided into two groups:20 patients with thalassanemia were assigned in group T and 20 patients without thalassanemia in group C. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil given by TCI. Plasma concentration of propofol was set at 3 g/ml and remifentanil at 6 ng/ml. The time required for loss of consciousness after TCI of propofol-remifentanil,the amount of propofol and remifentanil infused when the patients lost consciousness,changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) during induction,intubation score,the total amount of propofol and remifentanil used were all recorded. At the end of operation,quality of anesthesia was evaluated. Recovery time after anesthesia and postoperative pain score (VAS score) were also assessed.Results During induction MAP was significantly lower in two groups,and more patients developed hypotension in group T. The incidence of intubation response was lower in group T,but no serious cardiac adverse effects were observed. Transient loss of consciousness ( TLOC) was significantly shorter in group T than that in group C. The duration from termination of anesthetics to full recovery of spontaneous breathing,eye opening at request and tracheal extubation,the total amount of remifentanil used and VAS score were similar among the two groups.Conclusion Anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil by TCI is safe and effective in patients with thalassanemia.