title: Cardiovascular effects of i.v. induction in children: comparison between propofol and thiopentone.
abstract: We have compared the haemodynamic responses to i.v. propofol 2.5 mg kg-1 with those to thiopentone 5.0 mg kg-1 in 41 healthy Chinese children at induction of anaesthesia. They were allocated to four groups according to their age and induction agent received: group 1 < 2 yr, propofol, n = 9; group II < 2 yr, thiopentone, n = 9; group III 2-12 yr, propofol, n = 12; group IV 2-12 yr, thiopentone, n = 11. Anaesthesia was maintained by spontaneous ventilation with 70% nitrous oxide and 0.5% halothane in oxygen. Arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored by automatic oscillotonometer. Stroke volume was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography and pulse Doppler. Measurements were made before induction and at 1-min intervals for 5 min after induction. The reduction in mean arterial pressure was significantly greater after propofol (28-31%) than after thiopentone (14-21%) (P = 0.001). The reduction in cardiac index (10-15%) after induction was not significantly different between the two agents (P = 0.122). Baroreflex mediated increases in heart rate and systemic vascular resistance were less after propofol than after thiopentone. The baroreceptor reflex was more attenuated in children aged less than 2 yr than in older children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Aun
authors.forename: R Y
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: O'Meara
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Short
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Oh
mesh_terms: D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015742:Propofol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D013874:Thiopental / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D013874:Thiopental; D015742:Propofol