Hemodynamic variation following induction and tracheal intubation--thiopental vs propofol

Hemodynamic variations are inevitable during induction of anesthetic drugs. The present study, investigates the hemodynamic variations of two different drugs used for induction; Thiopental vs. Propofol.

In a prospective randomized double-blind study, from June 2003 to November 2004, 120 (ASA I and II) patients scheduled for elective surgery, were randomly divided into two equal groups. Patients were premedicated with midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) and fentanyl (1 microg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with either thiopental 5 mg/kg (group T) or propofol 2 mg/kg (group P). Neuromuscular blockade was achieved with atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) and anesthesia was maintained with halothane 1%, nitrous oxide (67%) in O2. Hemodynamic variable (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate) were measured non-invasively in three periods: before drug administration, immediately after injection, prior to intubation, and finally immediately after intubation.

the incidence of hemodynamic changes in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressures and heart rate were significantly higher in group T compared to group P.

We conclude that Propofol causes less hemodynamic changes compared to Thiopental. Therefore, we recommend Propofol especially when dealing with hemodynamically compromised patients.