Effect of priming in preventing myoclonic movements after intravenous induction with etomidate in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled interventional study

Etomidate is a hypnotic drug used as an intravenous anaesthetic induction agent. causes myoclonic movements in 50-80% patients after which makes it less desirable for induction. Aim: Present study was to determine the effect of priming preventing injection with etomidate adult undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: 108 ASA grade III scheduled elective surgery were allocated randomly two groups- Group A (n=54): Patients received dose 0.3mg/kg I.V. etomidate, B 0.03mg/kg followed 1 minute by 0.3 mg/kg over 20 seconds. 3 minutes start both groups given fentanyl 4mcg/kg Rocuronium (1mg/kg bodyweight) facilitate tracheal intubation. The occurrence intensity myoclonus observed min from graded clinically blinded observer as: 0=no myoclonus, 1=mild 2=moderate 3=severe myoclonus. Result: average during demographic variables similar groups. incidence (27/54 [50%] significantly lower than control (45/54 [83.33%].Myoclonus moderate or severe occurred more (68.3%) (36.5%).Conclusion: Pre-treatment (0.03 mg/kg), 60 seconds before anaesthesia effective reducing etomidate-induced without related side-effects.