The linear analogue score can be used in Chinese patients with relative accuracy provided it has been well explained. The error from employing a vertical presentation is significantly less than that from a horizontal one. The choice of upward or downward orientation is a matter of convenience. Younger patients and those with higher intelligence are quicker to understand the concept and can make better judgement in placing a mark where they wish it to be. A linear analogue scale seems to be a suitable method to record and study pain in a Chinese population.
Alfentanil requirements were compared in thirty-six Asian and forty-three European patients during general anaesthesia with muscle relaxants. Alfentanil infusion at 5 jlg/kg/min was started immediately after induction with thiopentone and alcuronium. The infusion rate was reduced to 0.5 jlg/kg/min after ten minutes. An incremental dose of5 jlg/kg/minfor five minutes was given on each occasion when anaesthesia was clinically judged to be inadequate. Recovery parameters were recorded. Pharmacokinetics were also studied in five Europeans, four Chinese and four Nepalese. The dosage of alfentanil required was comparable in both Asian and European patients, but recovery was slower in the Asian patients. The elimination ha(f-/ife in the Chinese and the Nepalese were both significantly shorter than that of the Europeans (P < 0.05), but at the time of recovery of spontaneous ventilation, the mean plasma concentrations were not significantly different.
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