The optimal pediatric induction dose of propofol in combination with reduced-dose rocuronium and alfentanil for day-case tonsillectomy in children

Summary Objective Tonsillectomy in children may be performed on a day-case basis. To achieve quality anesthesia and successful, fast recovery with minimal morbidity without the use of volatile anesthetic, the choice of drug combination has to be centered on one rapid- and short-acting hypnotic, opioid and non-depolarizing muscle relaxant. The aim of our study was to determine the optimal pediatric induction dose of propofol that by means of alfentanil and reduced-dose rocuronium allows the highest percentage of excellent intubating conditions. Methods One hundred and eleven children were randomized in three equal groups and included in prospective, double blind study. Anesthesia was induced with 2.0 (Group A), 2.5 (Group B) or 3.0 mg kg−1 (Group C) of propofol proceeded by alfentanil (0.02 mg kg−1 ). Muscle relaxation was achieved with reduced-dose rocuronium (1.5× ED95 ) (0.45 mg kg−1 ). The intubating conditions were assessed using the four-point scoring system based on the difficulty of laryngoscopy, presence of vocal cord movement and the intensity of coughing. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by means of acceleromyography with supramaximal train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve by the frequency of 1 Hz. Results Adequate intubating conditions were achieved in high percentages in all study groups (A = 94%, B = 95%, C = 98%) ( P = 0.352). Significant higher differences of excellent and good intubating conditions, attributed to quality of laryngoscopy, movement of the vocal cords and intensity of coughing were observed in Group C (excellent = 94%, good = 4%) (B = excellent 80%, good = 18% and A = excellent 47%, good = 47%) ( P = 0.0001). MAP decrease of 12% from the baseline occurred immediately only after 3.0 mg kg−1 induction dose of propofol (80 ± 7 mmHg; A = 92 ± 6, B = 88 ± 9) ( P = 0.005). Conclusions Induction dose of 2.5 mg kg−1 of propofol preceded by 0.02 mg kg−1 of alfentanil in addition to reduced-dose rocuronium (0.45 mg kg−1 ) is the optimal pediatric induction dose of propofol for improving the most excellent intubating conditions without significant hemodynamic changes.