The Effects of Etomidate and Propofol Induction on Hemodynamic and Endocrine Response in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Aim: To compare the effects of propofol and etomidate induction on hemodynamic parameters and serum cortisol levels in patients with normal left ventricular function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. Material and Method: After approval from the Institute Ethics committee hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade II or III patients undergoing scheduled coronary artery bypass surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in the study. Patients were allocated randomly to receive either propofol or etomidate for anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was maintained in both groups with sevoflurane, vecuronium bromide for muscle relaxation (0.1 mg/kg, boluses) and fentanyl up to a total dose of 20 mcg/kg. Result: The baseline serum cortisol values were within normal limits in both the groups. The serum cortisol levels in the propofol group increased more than two fold, whereas the values in the etomidate group decreased by close to fifty percent on weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). There was no significant difference in serum cortisol levels in the two groups at twenty-four hours after induction, although the values were close to double the baseline levels. Hemodynamically, etomidate group was more stable than propofol group following induction of anesthesia (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The surge in serum cortisol levels on the initiation of CPB seen after the use of propofol is prevented by the use of etomidate. Serum cortisol levels in both groups are well above the baseline at twenty-four hours without any untoward effects. Etomidate provides more stable hemodynamic parameters when used for induction of anesthesia as compared to propofol.