Comparison between propofol and thiopentone for induction of anaesthesia in children

Propofol 2.5 mg/kg was compared with thiopentone 5 mg/kg in a randomised open study, as an induction agent in paediatric anaesthesia. One hundred and twenty children who were to undergo elective surgery were included in the study. Both propofol and thiopentone produced a rapid and smooth induction with a low incidence of side effects. A similar decrease (10%) in mean arterial pressure was observed with both agents, but propofol showed better suppression of the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. Respiratory upsets occurred less frequently with propofol than with thiopentone, but propofol frequently induced discomfort on injection. Both agents provided satisfactory and controllable induction of anesthesia and no major adverse reactions occurred during or after anaesthesia. We conclude that propofol is a useful alternative as an induction agent in children.