The Effect of a Small Priming Dose of Sufentanil on Sufentanil-Induced Cough

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a small priming dose of sufentanil on sufentanil-induced cough during induction of anesthesia.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Adult patients (N = 220) aged 18 to 65 years undergoing general anesthesia were randomized into two groups (n = 110), a total dose of sufentanil 0.4 mcg/kg was used during induction of anesthesia. Group P (intervention) received a bolus of 5 mcg of sufentanil 1 minute before a bolus of the remaining larger dose of sufentanil, whereas group C (comparison) received an equal volume of normal saline 1 minute before a bolus of the total dose of sufentanil. The incidence and severity of cough were noted for 1 minute after each injection of sufentanil or normal saline.

Findings

The incidence of cough in group P was significantly lower than group C (6.4% vs 21.8%, P < .001). The severity of cough in group P was significantly decreased compared with group C (P < .001). In group P, three patients (2.7%, P = .247) coughed after the priming sufentanil injection.

Conclusions

A priming dose of 5 mcg of sufentanil 1 minute before a larger dose of sufentanil injection could effectively alleviate sufentanil-induced cough, the small priming dose of sufentanil could also elicit cough with a low incidence.