Comparison of Propofol and Etomidate in Haemodynamic changes at the time of induction of general anesthesia

Background: 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 P-1&P-2 status under going elective general anesthesia for surgery were included after informed consent. Patients were divided into two groups A & 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 hart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded with propofol and minimal hemodynamic changes were recorded with etomidate. Conclusion: Etomidate is a better inducing agent as compared to propofol.