Ciprofol-etomidate versus propofol-etomidate for gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized, double-blind controlled...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopy sedation requires safe and effective agents.
• Propofol-etomidate (P-E) is a common sedation regimen.
• Ciprofol-etomidate (C-E) is an alternative agent for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of C-E versus P-E for gastrointestinal endoscopy sedation.
• To generate hypotheses for future prospective trials.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, double-blind, randomized, positive-controlled exploratory trial.
• 240 adult patients were enrolled, randomized into C-E and P-E groups (120 each).
• Outcomes included hemodynamics, adverse events, and fatigue scores (Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire - CFQ).

Main Results:

• The C-E group demonstrated significantly lower CFQ Bimodal scores (≥4), reduced postoperative dizziness, and fewer blood pressure fluctuations (>20% baseline).
• One patient in the P-E group required respiratory support due to low SpO₂ (85%).
• Induction time and total dose were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Ciprofol-etomidate (C-E) may offer advantages in hemodynamic stability, respiratory safety, and reduced post-procedural fatigue/dizziness for low-risk patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• Findings are hypothesis-generating and necessitate validation through prospective, pre-registered trials.