Abstract
Sufentanil (SUF) is a potent narcotic recently approved for use in adult cardiac anesthesia. Its hemodynamic and pharmaco-kinetic properties are untested in newborns. We measured plasma SUF concentrations by radioimmunoassay in 7 healthy newborn piglets given 15 μg/kg SUF by IV bolus. Its effects on the determinants of cardiac output were invasively measured in 6 piglets.
Plasma SUF conc. fit a 3-compartment model; T½(α)=2.0 min and T½(β)=39.7 min. Cardiac effects were compared with baseline:
The α and β-phase half-lives of SUF and fentanyl (another potent narcotic) are similar in the piglet. Unlike fentanyl, SUF does not affect MAP or HR. CI is depressed less by SUF, perhaps because it increases contractility. Both drugs increase afterload. SUF does not affect preload significantly. Because SUF has a positive inotropic effect with minimal adverse hemodynamic effects on newborn piglets, it merits a clinical trial in newborn cardiac anesthesia.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schieber, R., Stiller, R., Cook, D. et al. 413 SUFENTANIL: PHARMACOKINETIC AND HEMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF A NEW NAECOTIC. Pediatr Res 19, 179 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00443
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00443