Comparison of intubation conditions under propofol in children--alfentanil vs atracurium.

We have assessed tracheal intubating conditions in 45 ASA I-II children, aged 4-14 years, undergoing elective ear, nose and throat surgery. After the induction dose of propofol 2.5 mgkg-1, Group I received alfentanil 10 ugkg-1, Group II received alfentanil 20 ugkg-1 and Group III received atracurium 0.5 mgkg-1 for tracheal intubation. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), end tidal carbondioxide (ETCO2) and intubation conditions were investigated. The quality of tracheal intubation was graded according to ease of laryngoscopy, position of the vocal cords, coughing and jaw relaxation. There were no significant differences in the overall assessment of intubating conditions between the three groups. Intubations were accomplished in 94% of the patients in Group I and II, and 100% of the patients in Group III. We conclude that the combination of propofol and alfentanil conditions for treacheal intubation in children and attenuate the hemodynamic responses to layngoscopy and tracheal intubation.