Sedation with sufentanil and clonidine in patients undergoing heart catheterization

Sedation for heart catheterization has been a cause for concern. Benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and opioids are used for this purpose. However, each drug has advantages and disadvantages.

To evaluate the efficacy of sufentanil and clonidine as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization, observing their impact on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, the presence of side effects and satisfaction of the patient and interventional cardiologist with the examination.

This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial involving 60 patients who received 0.1 µg/kg of sufentanil or 0.5 µg/kg of clonidine before heart catheterization. The score of sedation according to the Ramsay scale, the need for use of midazolam, side effects and hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded, with the data being analyzed at 06 different moments.

The behavior of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was similar in both groups, but, at moment 2, the patients in the sufentanil group (Group S) had a lower sedation score on the Ramsay scale, and the peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation was lower than in the clonidine group (Group C) at time 6. Patients in Group S had higher incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery than patients in Group C. Patient satisfaction was higher in the clonidine group. The interventional cardiologists were satisfied in both groups.

Sufentanil and clonidine were effective as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization.