Abstract
The pharmacokinetic variables of sufentanil were studied in 20 healthy children between two and eight years of age. The plasma concentrations of sufentanil were measured for up to 480 min after administration of a bolus of sufentanil, 1–3 μg · kg−1. The distribution half-life (t1/2β) was 5.2 ±2.2 (mean ±SD) min and the elimination half life (t1/2β) was 97.0 ±42.0 min. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 2.9 ±0.6 L · kg−1 and the clearance was 30.5 ±8.8 ml · kg−1 · min−1. The Vdss was one and a half limes greater than that reported in adults when expressed as a function of body weight but similar to that of adults when expressed as a function of body surface area. According to our results, the clearance of sufentanil in normal children between two and eight years of age is twice as rapid as that described in adults and adolescents. A greater clearance of sufentanit in children suggests that they would require relativelygreater maintenance doses than adults.
Résumé
La pharmacocinétique du sufentanil a été étudiée chez 20 enfants agés de deux à huit ans. Les concentrations plasmatiques ont pu être mesurées jusqu ’à 480 min après l’administration d’un bolus de 1 à 3 μg · kg−1 de sufentanil. La demi-vie de distribution (t1/2α) était de 5.2 ±2,2 min et la demi-vie d’élimination (t1/2β) était de 97,0 ±42,0 min. Le volume de distribution à l’état d’équilibre (Vdss) était 2,9 ±0,6 L · kg−1 et la clairance 30,5 ±8,8 ml · kg−1 · min−1. Le Vdss est égal à environ une fois et demi celui de précédemment rapporté pour l’adulte lorsqu’il est exprimé en fonction du poids corporel et superposable à celui-ci lorsqu’il est exprimé en fonction de la surface corporelle. D’après nos résultats la clairance du sufentanil chez l’enfant normal de deux à huit ans est environ deux fois celle décrite chez l’adolescent et l’adulte. Une clairance augmentée suggère que les enfants nécessitent des doses d’entretien plus élevées.
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This study was supported in part by grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica Canada Ltd. and from the Inter-Service Club Council of Montreal
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Guay, J., Gaudreault, P., Tang, A. et al. Pharmacokinetics of sufentanil in normal children. Can J Anaesth 39, 14–20 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03008666
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03008666