Basophil histamine release in asthma patients after in vitro provocation with Althesin and etomidate

Our aim was to compare the histamine-releasing effect of etomidate and Althesin on basophil leukocytes from asthmatic patients and normal persons. Blood from eight asthmatic patients and six normal persons was tested for histamine release after in vitro provocation with etomidate and althesin. In the group of asthmatic patients there was a significantly higher histamine release after provocation with althesin than after provocation with etomidate at all concentrations (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01, P less than 0.02). There was significantly higher histamine release for asthmatic patients than for normal persons after provocation with althesin at all concentrations (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01, P less than 0.02). There was no difference between the asthma group and the normal group after provocation with etomidate. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon's and Mann-Whitney's rank sum tests. We conclude that asthmatic patients may risk bronchospasm during induction of anaesthesia with althesin, and that etomidate may be suitable intravenous anaesthetic for asthmatic patients.