Attenuation of hypotension using phenylephrine during induction of anaesthesia with propofol.

OBJECTIVE To observe if phenylephrine mixed with propofol can attenuate hypotensive effects of propofol during induction of anaesthesia. METHODS A total number of 135 adult ASA-I and ASA-II patients were divided into three groups. (Group A, B and C). All patients were induced with propofol 2.5 mg per kg. In Group A (control group) patients received propofol mixed with 2cc of 0.9% normal saline. Group B (study group) patients received propofol mixed with 2cc of a solution containing phenylephrine 25 microg/cc (total 50 microg); Group C (study group) patients received propofol mixed with 2cc of a solution containing phenylephrine 50 microg/cc (total 100 microg). Haemodynamic variables like systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were noted. Hypotension was defined as 20% decrease in baseline systolic blood pressure recorded before induction of anaesthesia. RESULTS Phenylephrine in a dose of 100 micrograms attenuated the drop in systolic blood pressure. However phenylephrine in a dose 50 micrograms did not effectively prevent anticipated drop in SBP. CONCLUSION Phenylephrine in doses of 100 micrograms effectively attenuates anticipated hypotension upon induction of general anaesthesia with propofol.