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[Core and cutaneous thermal changes in the upper limb after anesthesia induction].
J González de Zárate1, A Olmos, J C Alvarez
1Servicio de Anestesiología-Reanimación, Hospital Universitario, Universidad de Valladolid.
Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|September 26, 2000
Summary
General anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium causes significant cutaneous vasodilation in the upper limb. Fingertip temperature and blood flow increase most, suggesting peripheral vasodilation aids heat redistribution during anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Physiology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- General anesthesia induction agents can affect peripheral circulation and temperature regulation.
- Understanding the time-course of these effects is crucial for patient monitoring and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the time-course of cutaneous thermal and photoplethysmographic changes in the upper limb after general anesthesia induction.
- To investigate the effects of propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium on peripheral blood flow and skin temperature.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy patients (ASA-I) underwent general anesthesia induction with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium.
- Digital blood flow (photoplethysmography) and skin temperature (thermocouples) were measured at the fingertip, forearm, and upper arm at baseline and up to 20 minutes post-induction.
Main Results:
- Intense, abrupt vasodilatation was observed in the thumb, with significant increases in photoplethysmography (PhPl) and fingertip temperature.
- Forearm and upper arm skin temperatures showed moderate and slower increases.
- A strong correlation was found between thumb blood flow (PhPl) and fingertip temperature.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesia induction with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium leads to unequal cutaneous vasodilation in the upper limb.
- The fingertip experiences the most significant temperature increase, indicating a role for peripheral vasodilation in core heat redistribution during anesthesia.