Interaction modeling of propofol and sufentanil on loss of consciousness

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Propofol

Propofol is an intravenous hypnotic drug that is used for induction and maintenance of sedation and general anaesthesia. It exerts its effects through potentiation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABAA receptor, and has gained widespread use due to its favourable drug effect profile. The main adverse effects are disturbances in cardiopulmonary physiology. Due to its narrow therapeutic margin, propofol should only be administered by practitioners trained and experienced in providing general anaesthesia. Many pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models for propofol exist. Some are used to inform drug dosing guidelines, and some are also implemented in so-called target-controlled infusion devices, to calculate the infusion rates required for user-defined target plasma or effect-site concentrations. Most of the models were designed for use in a specific and well-defined patient category. However, models applicable in a more general population have recently been developed and published. The most recent example is the general purpose propofol model developed by Eleveld and colleagues. Retrospective predictive performance evaluations show that this model performs as well as, or even better than, PK models developed for specific populations, such as adults, children or the obese; however, prospective evaluation of the model is still required. Propofol undergoes extensive PK and PD interactions with both other hypnotic drugs and opioids. PD interactions are the most clinically significant, and, with other hypnotics, tend to be additive, whereas interactions with opioids tend to be highly synergistic. Response surface modelling provides a tool to gain understanding and explore these complex interactions. Visual displays illustrating the effect of these interactions in real time can aid clinicians in optimal drug dosing while minimizing adverse effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the PK and PD of propofol in order to refresh readers' knowledge of its clinical applications, while discussing the main avenues of research where significant recent advances have been made.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions in anaesthesia. A review of current knowledge and how it can be used to optimize anaesthetic drug administration

This review describes the basics of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions and methodological points of particular interest when designing drug interaction studies. It also provides an overview of the available literature concerning interactions, with emphasis on graphic representation of interactions using isoboles and response surface models. It gives examples on how to transform this knowledge into clinically and educationally applicable (bedside) tools.

Entropy correlates with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

Sedation is routinely used in intensive care units. However due to absence of objective scoring systems like Bispectral Index and entropy our ability to regulate the degree of sedation is limited. This deficiency is further highlighted by the fact that agitation scores used in intensive care units (ICU) have no role in paralyzed patients. The present study compares entropy as a sedation scoring modality with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients in an ICU. Twenty-seven, mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients of either sex, 16-65 years of age, were studied over a period of 24 h. They received a standard sedation regimen consisting of a bolus dose of propofol 0.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 1 lg/kg followed by infusions of propofol and fentanyl ranging from 1.5 to 5 mg/kg/h and 0.5 to 2.0 lg/kg/h, respectively. Clinically relevant values of RASS for optimal ICU sedation (between 0 and -3) in non-paralyzed patients were compared to corresponding entropy values, to find if any significant correlation exists between the two. These entropy measurements were obtained using the Datex-Ohmeda-M-EntropyTM module. This module is presently not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for monitoring sedation in ICU. A total of 527 readings were obtained. There was a statistically significant correlation between the state entropy (SE) and RASS [Spearman's rho/rs = 0.334, p\0.0001]; response entropy (RE) and RASS [Spearman's rho/rs = 0.341, p\0.0001]). For adequate sedation as judged by a RASS value of 0 to -3, the mean SE was 57.86 ± 16.50 and RE was 67.75 ± 15.65. The present study illustrates that entropy correlates with RASS (between scores 0 and -3) when assessing the level of sedation in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

Propofol-sufentanil anesthesia for thyroid surgery: optimal concentrations for hemodynamic and electroencephalogram stability, and recovery features

Hypnotics and opioids interact synergistically to block responses to surgery and different dose combinations may be used to provide adequate anesthesia. In this study, we sought to determine the optimal concentrations of propofol and sufentanil, given by target-controlled infusions, to ensure hemodynamic stability, adequate hypnosis (assessed by electroencephalogram bispectral index), and fast recovery for a moderately painful operation. Forty-five patients, ASA physical status I or II, undergoing thyroidectomy, were randomly assigned to a sufentanil target concentration (STC) that was maintained throughout surgery (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 ng/mL). The propofol target concentration was adjusted to keep mean arterial blood pressure within 30% of a reference value, and bispectral index between 40 and 60. Adequate anesthesia was obtained in all groups. Hypertension and clinically dangerous movements were more frequent with the small STC, and hypotension requiring treatment was more frequent with the large STC. Propofol target concentration during surgery decreased significantly with increasing STC (median at thyroid removal 5.0, 4.0, and 2.5 microg/mL, respectively) as well as the propofol consumption (740, 668, 474 mg/h). The 0.3 ng/mL STC significantly delayed the return of spontaneous breathing.

IMPLICATIONS

Given as a target-controlled infusion for thyroid surgery, sufentanil 0.3 ng/mL for intubation and 0.2 ng/mL during surgery, combined with propofol 4 microg/mL (corresponding to a maintenance infusion rate of approximately 7-10 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)), is recommended to ensure both optimal intraoperative stability and fast recovery.