Median effective concentration of remifentanil for the inhibition of laryngoscope-induced cardiovascular responses

The aim of this study was to calculate the median effective concentration (EC 50 ) of remifentanil (Rem) for the inhibition of laryngoscope-induced cardiovascular responses, and to observe its effects on the cardiovascular system and stress system. The study included 20 patients, who underwent time-scheduled vocal cord polyp resection with monitoring of heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP) and auditory evoked potential (AEP)-based A-line ARX Index (AAI). The Rem concentration was initially 5 ng/ml in the first patient, and the concentration selected for each subsequent patient was calculated from the previous case on the basis of whether or not cardiovascular reactions occurred. The HR, MBP and AAI at baseline, after the induction of anesthesia, and before and after the insertion of a self-retaining laryngoscope were recorded, with a change >15% recorded as a positive cardiovascular response. The EC 50 sequential method was used to calculate the EC 50 of Rem for the inhibition of laryngoscope-induced responses. Cortisol, interleukin-6 and blood glucose levels before and after laryngoscope insertion were also measured. The target-controlled concentrations for the 20 patients were as follows: 2 cases at 5 ng/ml, 6 cases at 4.2 ng/ml, 6 cases at 3.5 ng/ml, 4 cases at 2.9 ng/ml and 2 cases at 2.4 ng/ml. The EC 50 of Rem for the inhibition of laryngoscope-induced responses was 3.5 ng/ml with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3.47-3.60 ng/ml. A reasonable dose for inhibiting laryngoscope-induced responses was within the range 2.9-4.2 ng/ml. In conclusion, Rem exhibited an EC 50 of 3.5 ng/ml for the inhibition of laryngoscope-induced cardiovascular responses, with a 95% CI of 3.47-3.60 ng/ml, and a reasonable dose for the inhibition of such responses was 2.9-4.2 ng/ml.