Publication:

Induction properties of propofol and etomida: a clinical comparative study

Background Propofol is a non-opioid, non-barbiturate, sedative hypnotic agent with rapid onset and short duration of action. However induction of anaesthesia with propofol is associated with pain on injection and dose dependent hypotension especially in patients above 50 years and with pre-induction hypotension. Objective of the study was to compare the induction properties, hemodynamic variables and side effects of etomidate and propofol during induction of general anaesthesia.

Methods 60 patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into group P (n=30) who received propofol and group E (n=30) who received etomidate as intravenous induction agents. Induction time, hemodynamic variables like pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure following induction were recorded. Side effects like pain on injection and myoclonus were noted.

Results In this study we found that the onset of induction, pain on injection and incidence of myoclonus were statistically insignificant in both groups. Increase in pulse rate was statistically significant in propofol at 1 and 3 mins when compared with etomidate. Fall in mean arterial pressure at 1 min was statistically significant with etomidate and with propofol at 3 and 5 min.

Conclusions Etomidate was a better alternative as an intravenous induction agent when compared with propofol.