Cardiovascular effects of alfaxalone on hemodynamic function in pigs

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term cardiovascular effects of intravenous (IV) alfaxalone bolus injections in healthy pigs. Materials and methods: Each pig was sedated with ketamine, azaperone, and atropine intramuscularly, mixed in one syringe. Anesthesia was induced and maintained intravenously with alfaxalone. Then, three defined test bolus injections of alfaxalone were given intravenously. Vascular ultrasonography and pulse-induced contour cardiac output thermodilution monitoring were used to evaluate the direct cardiovascular effects after bolus injection. The following vascular and hemodynamic variables were recorded at the right common carotid artery (CCA) for 10 minutes after each alfaxalone injection by ultrasonography, pulse oximetry, and capnometry: peak systolic, minimum diastolic, end-diastolic, and time-averaged blood flow velocities; average volumetric flow; resistance index and vessel diameter; heart rate (HR); arterial oxygen saturation; and end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO 2). In addition, pulse contour-derived cardiac output recorded cardiac output, contractility, and volumetric variables for preload and afterload, as well as extravascular lung water, blood temperature, arterial blood pressure, and central venous pressure.