Abstract: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil and propofol in infants undergoing surgical repair of cleft lip. MethodsIn total, 60 infants 3 to 9 monthold were enrolled and randomly received either a combination of remifentanil and propofol (R-P group, n=30)or a combination of sodium hydroxybutyrate and ketamine(γ-K group, n=30). Anesthesia was induced with remifentanil 1μg/kg， propofol 2mg/kg and succinylcholine chloride 1mg/kg or sodium hydroxybutyrate 80mg/kg，ketamine 1-2mg/kg and succinylcholine chloride 1mg/kg. Tracheal intubations were given after anesthesia induction and spontaneous respirations were retained. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil 0.05-0.1μg·kg^-1·min^-1 and propofol 4-6mg·kg^-1·h^-1 or ketamine 1-2mg/kg and sodium hydroxybutyrate. Respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate changes were recorded at fixed intervals, also recovery characteristics and postoperative complications of the two groups were determined. ResultsRemifentanil in combination with propofol resulted in a lower mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and recovery time and less postoperative side effects than sodium hydroxybutyrate in combination with ketamine. ConclusionThe combination of remifentanil and propofol is safe and effective with stable hemodynamics, rapid recovery and absence of side effects in infants undergoing surgical repair of cleft lip.

Key words: Fentanyl, Propofol, Infants, Anesthesia, intravenous