Comparison of propofol and etomidate in haemodynamic changes at the time of induction of general anesthesia

Unstable hemodynamics at the time of induction of general anesthesia can harm the patient, so stability of hemodynamics matters a lot. Aim: To compare the hemodynamic effects of propofol at the time of induction of general anesthesia with etomidate for choosing the better inducing agent. Methods: 100 patients of ASA class P1 and P2 status under going elective general anesthesia for surgery were included after informed consent. Patients were divided into two groups A and B by using random number table. Each group comprised of 50 patients. In group A, propofol 2.5mg/kg body weight was given intravenously within 30 sec. In group B, Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg body weight intravenously with in 30 sec was given. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at interval of 30 sec for 3 min and after 3 min other drugs were given to patients and surgery allowed. The study design was quasi experimental and sampling techniques was purposive non-probability sampling. Student's t test was used and collected data were analyzed with the SPSS version 10. Results: Significant decrease in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded with propofol and minimal hemodynamic changes were recorded with etomidate. (author)