A Randomised Clinical Study to Compare the Haemodynamic Effects of Etomidate With Thiopentone Sodium and Propofol During Induction of General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: Thiopentone sodium and propofol which are used extensively in general anesthesia for induction are known to produce cardiovascular side effects like hypotension and bradycardia or tachycardia. This is disadvantageous especially in patients with borderline cardiac function. Etomidate an inducing agent is believed to produce minimal side effects on cardiovascular system. Hence this study was conducted to compare the hemodynamic effects of Etomidate with thiopentone sodium and propofol. Objective: To compare the hemodynamic effects of Etomidate with that of Thiopentone and Propofol during induction in general anaesthesia. Study design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: 75 patients of either sex, between age group of 18-50 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anaesthesia after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups (Group T =25 patients ) , (Group P =25 patients ) and (Group E =25 patients ). In group T, patients received Thiopentone 5mg/kg, in group P - Propofol 2mg/kg and in group E - Etomidate 0.3mg/kg for induction. IX Heart rate and blood pressure were measured before induction, and every minute for 3 minute after induction. Results: When compared to etomidate group there was a significant fall in blood pressure in both thiopentone and propofol group. There was no significant change in hearts rate in all three groups. Conclusion: When etomidate is used as an induction agent during general anaesthesia there is a better hemodynamic stability in comparison to thiopentone and propofol.