Adenosine-induced ventricular asystole to induce transient profound systemic hypotension in patients undergoing endovascular therapy. Dose-response characteristics

Anesthesiology. 2000 Oct;93(4):998-1001. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200010000-00021.

Abstract

Background: Adenosine-induced asystole has been used to induce transient systemic hypotension for various vascular procedures. Dose-response characteristics of adenosine-induced ventricular asystole have not been determined.

Methods: During endovascular embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations, the authors performed a series of adenosine test injections to establish a dose-response relation in each patient. After an interval of 3-10 min, the dose was escalated by 10-20 mg for each injection to achieve an end point of 20-30 s of stable mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction to 25-30 mmHg. All patients received constant infusion of nitroprusside (approximately 1 microgram. kg-1. min-1) throughout the procedure.

Results: The authors studied four adult patients (age, 22-44 yr; two patients had two separate procedures) and one pediatric patient (age, 4 yr). Twenty-three adenosine injections resulted in measurable asystole. The adenosine dose was 0. 98 +/- 0.40 mg/kg (mean +/- SD), and the dose range was 0.24-1.76 mg/kg (6-90 mg). The duration of asystole, MAP < 30 mmHg, and MAP < 50 mmHg, were 8 +/- 3 s, 18 +/- 12 s, and 50 +/- 29 s, respectively. The minimum MAP and the MAP for the first 20 s were 16 +/- 3 mmHg and 30 +/- 9 mmHg, respectively. There was a linear relation between adenosine dose and the duration of hypotension with MAP < 30 mmHg and MAP < 50 mmHg.

Conclusions: In the dose range studied, a series of adenosine test injections can be used to determine optimal adenosine dose for induction of transient profound hypotension.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Enbucrilate / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest, Induced / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / chemically induced
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy*
  • Male
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Ventricular Function / drug effects

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Enbucrilate
  • Adenosine