[Hemodynamic effects of equipotent doses of phenoperidine and fentanyl in man]

The haemodynamic effects of phenoperidine and fentanyl were studied in ten patients with craniocerebral trauma who presented no surgical indications. They were all mechanically ventilated with a constant tidal volume and rate and their cardiovascular state was stable. The patients were given 5 gamma/kg of fentanyl intravenously; the haemodynamic measurements were performed at two mn interval for 20 mn. Three hours later, the patients were given 30 gamma/kg of phenoperidine intravenously and the haemodynamic measurements were performed similarly. Phenoperidine and fentanyl had the same effects: a significant fall in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and cardiac index without any change in pulmonary wedge pressure. These changes do not dangerously alter the haemodynamic condition of the patients and thus are not a contra-indication to the general use of phenoperidine and fentanyl in anaesthetic practice and in intensive care.