Effect of remifentanil infusion on the hemodynamic response during induction of anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients: a prospective observational study

Background The induction of general anesthesia may cause hemodynamic instability. Remifentanil is often administered to suppress the hemodynamic response. We aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil infusion on the hemodynamic response to induction of anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients. Methods Patients were divided into two groups: Group H (n = 102) were hypertensive patients and Group C (n = 107) were normotensive patients. During induction, all patients received 1 µg/kg of remifentanil as a loading dose over 2 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion at 0.05 µg/kg/minute. We analyzed the systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures and heart rate pre-induction, pre-intubation, immediately post-intubation, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes after intubation. Results The systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures before induction were significantly higher in group H compared with group C, but there was no significant difference between the two groups immediately after intubation. Blood pressures immediately after intubation were similar to the pre-induction blood pressure. There was no significant difference in heart rate between the two groups at any time point. Conclusions Remifentanil infusion effectively attenuates the hemodynamic response to induction of general anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients.