Effect of Prostaglandin E₁ on Lidocaine Metabolism in Patients Undergoing Hepatic Surgery

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) on lidocaine metabolism associated with thoracic epidural anesthesia in 20 patients undergoing hepatic surgery. 3.0mg•kg^-1 of lidocaine was administered, followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 1.5mg•kg^-1•h^-1 perioperatively. In the PGE₁ group (n=10), PGE₁ at a rate of 0.02μg•kg^-1•min^-1, was infused continuously after administering the anesthesia. The plasma lidocaine concentration increased gradually in the control group, but not in the PGE₁ group, suggesting increased lidocaine metabolism. The plasma MEGX/plasma lidocaine concentration ratio was elevated significantly in the PGE₁ group. Our findings suggest that PGE₁ may be effective for lidocaine metabolism associated with epidural anesthesia in hepatic surgery.