Hemodynamic Responses to Tracheal Intubation during Anesthesia Induction: A Comparative Study of Propofol, Etomidate, and Etomidate-Propofol Combination

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to measure the haemodynamic responses to a etomidate- propofol combination used for anaesthesia induction and to compare the haemodynamic responses with the separate use of each drug [1], [2]. Methods: The patients were systematically divided into three distinct groups: Group P (consisting of 20 individuals with a dosage of propofol at 2.5 mg kg-1), Group E (comprising 20 patients with a dose of etomidate at 0.3 mg kg-1), and Group PE (comprising 20 individuals with a blend of propofol at 1.25 mg kg-1 and etomidate at 0.15 mg kg-1). Each patient underwent measurements of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure at specific time points: baseline, post-induction, pre-intubation, immediately post-intubation, as well as at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 minutes post-intubation. Results: In all three groups, a notable reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was observed at time points T2 and T3 in comparison to the baseline measurements. Notably, this reduction was more pronounced in group P when juxtaposed with groups E and PE (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) [3]–[5]. Subsequently, a significant elevation in MAP was witnessed across all groups at time point T4 following intubation. Upon comparing the groups, it became evident that this increase was more prominent in group E compared to the other two groups (statistically significant with group P, P < 0.001; and with group PE, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The combination of etomidate and propofol could serve as a valuable alternative in situations where it is essential to steer clear of extreme hypotensive and hypertensive responses induced by either propofol or etomidate.