OBJECTIVE:

To observe the impacts of doxapram on anesthetic efficacy and respiratory and circulatory functions during anesthesia with remifentanil given by target-controlled infusion (TCI) combined with propofol in painless artificial abortion.

METHODS:

A total of 120 ASA I women requiring voluntarily painless artificial abortion were randomized into two equal groups. One group was given remifentanil by TCI at 2 ng/ml and propofol 1mg/kg (group I), and the other given remifentanil by TCI, propofol, and doxapram 0.6 mg/kg (group II). The anesthetic efficacy and respiratory and circulatory suppression during anesthesia were observed.

RESULTS:

Both of the two groups showed satisfactory anesthetic efficacy with comparable the BIS values (P>0.05). No significant difference was noted in the induction time and awaking time between the two groups (P>0.05), but group I had more serious respiratory and circulatory depression than group II (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Doxapram may attenuate respiratory and circulatory depression during anesthesia with remifentanil given by TCI combined with propofol in painless artificial abortion, and provide comparable anesthetic efficacy.