Effects of Remifentanil and Sufentanil Anesthesia on Cardiac Function and Serological Parameters in Congenital Heart...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery requires careful anesthetic management.
• Optimizing anesthetic agents is crucial for minimizing stress response and ensuring patient safety in pediatric cardiac procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effects of remifentanil versus sufentanil anesthesia in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.
• To compare cardiac function, serological parameters, and adverse reactions between the two anesthetic groups.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 120 children with CHD undergoing septal repair, divided into sufentanil (control) and remifentanil (treatment) groups.
• Monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and serological markers including ACTH, cortisol, and lactic acid.
• Assessment of adverse events such as bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, muscle rigidity, and respiratory depression.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in heart rate (HR) was observed between groups (P > 0.05).
• Both groups showed decreased systolic (SDP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) post-anesthetic induction (P < 0.05).
• The remifentanil group exhibited significantly lower levels of ACTH, cortisol, and lactic acid (P < 0.05) and a 16.67% lower incidence of adverse events (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Remifentanil anesthesia demonstrates a favorable safety profile in pediatric congenital heart surgery compared to sufentanil.
• Remifentanil offers better hemodynamic stability and stress response inhibition, with a reduced incidence of adverse effects.
• These findings support remifentanil as a valuable anesthetic option for children undergoing complex cardiac procedures.