Harikrishna Dalai 1 , Shree Nanda 2 , Jyoshna Mishra 3 , Sujata Lahiry 4 , Siddharth Chavali 5 , Daityari Routray 6
BACKGROUND An ideal induction agent for general anaesthesia should have haemodynamic stability, minimal respiratory side effects and rapid clearance. Sudden hypotension has a deleterious effects on maintaining the circulation to vital organs. Presently, etomidate and propofol are popular rapid acting inducing agents. Hence, this study was conducted to compare the haemodynamic effects of etomidate and propofol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Double-blind randomised study was conducted on sixty patients after informed consent comprising of thirty patients each (Group E for etomidate and group P for propofol). Patients were premedicated with Inj. Glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg IV, Inj. Butorphanol 0.03 mg/kg IV, Inj. Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg IV followed by etomidate 0.3 mg/kg given slowly over 45 seconds in the group E and propofol 2 mg/kg for induction of anaesthesia in the group P. 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 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 haemodynamic stability in comparison to propofol.
