Sedoanalgesia for cardioversion: comparison of alfentanil, remifentanil and fentanyl combined with propofol and midazolam: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Electrical cardioversion (EC) is a short but painful procedure to restore sinus rhythm. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of fentanyl, remifentanil and alfentanil in association with propofol and midazolam for elective EC.Ninety-nine patients older than 18-years, American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II/III grades undergoing elective EC were randomized into 3 groups. All patients received 2 mg midazolam and propofol (0.5 mg/kg). Group A received alfentanil (5 µg/kg i.v. bolus), Group F received fentanyl (0.5 µg/kg i.v. bolus) and Group R received remifentanil (0.25 µg/kg i.v. bolus). Hemodynamics and respiratory variables [Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), SpO2, respiratory rate (RR)], and Modified Aldrete recovery score (MARS) were assessed at six different time points (baseline, right after EC, and 3rd min, 5th min, 10th min, 30th min following EC). Also, induction times (time to reach RSS to 5) and recovery times (time to reach MARS to 8) were recorded. The incidence of respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension and adverse effects were also recorded.Hemodynamic variables were similar in all groups. SpO2 values in Group R were significantly lower at 3rd min (p = 0.005). Induction and recovery times were longest in Group F. There were significant differences at 3rd, 5th and 10th minute MARS values between groups. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were similar in all groups (p > 0.05) but respiratory depression was higher in Group R (p = 0.047).Propofol alfentanil combination has more beneficial advantages in their rapid onset, early recovery time and less respiratory depression than remifentanil and fentanyl.