The Effects of Succinylcholine and Remifentanil on Intubating Conditions in Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Succinylcholine is the most common muscle relaxant but its side effects resulted in researches for a drug as alternative. The aim of present study was to compare the effects of succinylcholine and remifentanil on intubating conditions in elective cesarean section. Methods: Patients undergoing elective cesarean (n = 200) were enrolled in a double-blinded clinical trial study in Ali Ibne Abitaleb hospital, Zahedan, Iran. Patients were divided in 2 groups of control, received succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg), and case, received remifentanil (1 µg/kg). Statistical analysis was performed using Fischer’s exact and chi-square tests via SPSS software at the significant level of P < 0.050. Findings: In the succinylcholine group, 92 patients (92%) and in the rhymifentanil group, 76 patients (76%) had good intubation (P < 0.050). Apgar score of 1st minute was less than 7 in 2 (2%) and 14 (14%) newborns in succinylcholine and rhymifentanil groups, respectively (P < 0.050). In case group, Apgar score of 5th minute was seen in 6 newborns (6%), while there was not any case in control group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that with respect to the effect of remifentanil on Apgar, it could be used only in contraindications of succinylcholine in suitable conditions of monitoring and effective resuscitation of neonates.

Keywords

• Intubation
• Cesarean section
• Succinylcholine
• Remifentanil