Effects of alfentanil and fentanyl on induction of anaesthesia in patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension

Abstract

Forty patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension presenting for Caesarean section under general anaesthesia were allocated randomly to receive either fentanyl 2.5 μg kg-1 or alfentanil 10 μg kg-1 as part of the anaesthetic induction sequence. In all patients, the cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation was measured. Both drugs attenuated the response equally but did not abolish it in all patients. Alfentanil 10 μg kg-1 is a suitable alternative to fentanyl 2.5 μg kg-1 for patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. © 1990 Copyright: 1990 British Journal of Anaesthesia.