[Propofol in comparison with etomidate for the induction of anesthesia]

In the present study propofol and etomidate were compared with respect to the effects on the cardiovascular system and its side effects in 100 patients ASA grade I-IV. Anaesthesia was induced with 2.2 mg kg-1 body weight propofol. Supplemented with opioids and benzodiazepins the dose diminished to 1.8 mg kg-1 body weight (18.2%). In comparison with etomidate after propofol decrease in blood pressure was more marked, especially when supplemented with opioids and benzodiazepins but without supplementation these values ranged within acceptable limits. Following intubation blood pressure and heart rate after propofol increased only to the base line values contrary to etomidate. Following propofol administration smooth induction with very good ventilation was remarkable. Myocloni and anaphylactoid reactions were not seen. Pain on injection was frequent but thrombosis and phlebitis were not observed. There was a considerably lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with etomidate. The investigators concluded: propofol can be recommended for induction of anaesthesia as an alternative to etomidate.