Abstract

Aim: To compare the hemodynamic response to anaesthetic induction with thiopentone sodium or
etomidate in adult treated hypertensive patients posted for elective surgeries.
Materials and methods:A prospective randomised blind clinical study conducted in 60 adult treated
hypertensive patients(29-61 years) of ASA II posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia.
Patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 each. Group T-Thiopentone sodium 5mg/kg
body weight Group E-Etomidate 0.3mg/kg body weight. Pulse,systolic blood pressure, diastolic
blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were noted down every minute for five minutes post
induction.
Results: Both groups were comparable statistically for age, gender and weight.There was no
statistically significant variation in the extent of over all change in heart rate, systolic, diastolic and
mean arterial pressures between the two group of patients (p >0.05).All the studied hemodynamic
variations with respect to HR,SBP,DBPand MAP in the two groups were self corrective and did not
require any treatment. Patients in both groups did not have any side effects perioperatively and for 24
hours post operatively except for vomiting in one patient in group E.
Conclusion: Both thiopentone (5mg/kg) and etomidate (0.3mg/kg) have similar hemodynamic effects
when used for induction of anaesthesia in adult treated hypertensive patients and can be safely used in
them. However thiopentone comparatively has better cost effectiveness and ease of availability.