Comparison of Thiopental Sodium and Propofol as to the Effects of Anesthesia Induction and Hemodynamic Changes to Endotracheal Intubation

Yoon, Myung Ha; Park, Chan Jin; Han, Young Sin

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare thiopental sodium and propofol as to the effects of anesthesia induction and hemodynamic changes associated with endotracheal intubation. Forty healthy adult patients, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly assigned to receive either thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg (Group 1, n =20) or propofol 2 mg/kg (Group 2, n=20) as an induction agent. Endotracheal intubation was performed following injection of succinylcholine 1 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with 1.5~2% ethrane and 50% N2O in O2. The results were as follows, 1) Both thiopental sodium and propofol revealed high incidence of pain in the site of injection (13/20, 10/20, respectively). 2) The time from the start of injection to spontaneous closing of eyes and to loss of eyelid reflex were 42 and 43 sec in group 1 and 46 and 51 sec in group 2, respectively. 3) The loss of respiratory efforts. Occured in all cases and took 65 and 59 sec, in group 1 and 2 respectively. 4) The blood pressure was more decreased in group 2 than group 1 during induction period, but there was no significant difference between two groups. Also, there was no significant difference of the heart rate between two groups. 5) The increments of systolic blood pressure and rate-pressure-product to endotrachal intubation in group 2 were less than group 1 at time of immediate and 1 minute after intubation. Also, the increments of mean arterial pressure, disastolic blood presure and heart rate were lessen in group 2 than group 1. The retum of blood pressure, heart rate and RPP to the control was fasten in group 2 than group l. In conclusion, propofol may be an alternative to thiopental sodium in patients who require endotracheal intubation without hemodynamic instability.