Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the OPRM1 gene and intraoperative remifentanil consumption in northern Chinese women.

Recent studies have suggested that some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human µ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) affect the postoperative analgesic efficacy of opioids and their side effects. In this study, we assessed the association between SNPs in the OPRM1 gene and intraoperative remifentanil consumption as well as perioperative side effects during gynecological hysteroscopic surgery in women from Northern China. We analyzed 178 women undergoing gynecological hysteroscopic surgery. SNP genotyping was performed using the SNaPshot method. The state anxiety index (SAI) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of all patients were assessed preoperatively. Monitored anesthesia care was maintained by the intravenous infusion of remifentanil. Intraoperative remifentanil usage and perioperative side effects were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Patients carrying one or two copies of the minor allele (G allele) of rs558025 required significantly more intraoperative remifentanil than patients without the minor allele (p = 0.001, corrected p = 0.006). There were no significant associations between the six SNPs and various clinical characteristics. No significant associations between the six SNPs and PPT or SAI were found in our study. SNP rs558025 in the OPRM1 gene was associated with intraoperative remifentanil consumption during gynecological hysteroscopic surgery in our subjects.