ABSTRACT : To compare the hemodynamic response to anaesthetic induction with well known agents - Thiopentone sodium or Etomidate in adult treated hypertensive patients posted for elective surgeries.

Study objective: To compare the hemodynamic response to anaesthetic induction with well known agents - Thiopentone sodium or Etomidate in adult treated hypertensive patients posted for elective surgeries.

Study design:A prospective randomised clinical study.

Methodology: The study was conducted in 60 adult hypertensive patients of ASA II posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. Group T received Thiopentone sodium 5 mg/kg body and weight Group E received Etomidate at 0.3 mg/kg body weight dose. Pulse rate, systolic and mean arterial pressures were monitored at basal level, after induction every minute for five minutes.

Result and Discussion: Heart rate increased from 82.03±15.32 and 81.47±11.56 (at level 0) to 90.00±19.24 and 87.13±10.22 in group T and E respectively. Systolic blood pressure fell from 131.7±16.03 mmhg and 131.23±16.03 mmhg (at level 0) to 120±28.8 mmhg and 120.8±20.05 mmhg in group T and E respectively. Mean arterial pressure fell from 94.52±12.10 mmhg and 96.96±12.96 mmhg (at level 0) to 91.72±21.34 mmhg and 90.37±17.51 mmhg in group T and E respectively. All the studied hemodynamic changes were self corrective and consistent with that of other studies.

Conclusion: Both Thiopentone and Etomidate have similar hemodynamic effects when used for induction of anaesthesia in adult treated hypertensive patients and can be safely used in them.

Key words: Hypertension, anaesthesia induction, thiopentone, etomidate, hemodynamic changes.