Use of remifentanil in infants

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J B Eck1, A M Lynn

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|September 22, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Remifentanil, an ultra-short-acting opioid, showed a short duration of effect in infants with complex medical conditions, even after prolonged infusion. Further research is needed to confirm its potential utility in pediatric critical care.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Infants with complex medical issues often require careful anesthetic management.
  • Opioid analgesics are crucial for pain and sedation in critically ill infants.
  • Remifentanil offers unique pharmacokinetic properties, but its use in neonates and infants with organ dysfunction requires further investigation.

Observation:

  • This study observed the use of remifentanil in three infants with significant comorbidities including hepatic failure, cyanotic heart disease, and renal compromise.
  • The drug was infused for an extended period of 18 hours.

Findings:

  • Despite an 18-hour infusion, remifentanil demonstrated a short duration of opioid effect in these infants.
  • This suggests a rapid clearance or metabolism of remifentanil, even in the presence of organ dysfunction.

Implications:

  • Remifentanil may be a viable anesthetic option for specific pediatric patients with complex medical problems.
  • Its predictable and short duration of action could facilitate faster recovery and extubation.
  • Additional studies are essential to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing in this vulnerable population.

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