Comparative assessment of induction efficacy of propofol preparations

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hypnotic effects (using Bispectral Index [BIS]), hemodynamic parameters, injection pain and quality of anesthesia during induction of anesthesia of the 3 commercial propofol preparations (Abbott Propofol, Abbott Laboratories), Pofol (Dongkook Pharm. Co. Ltd.), and Propofol 1% Fresenius (Fresenius Kabi).

METHODS: After Ethics Committee Approval, a prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed in Hacettepe University Hospitals Operating Theaters in 2005. The patients aged 18-65 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I and II scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation. Ninety patients were randomized into 3 groups with 30 patients in each group. Propofol infusion rate was 2.5 mg. seconds-1. Induction time and doses to reach BIS level of 50 ± 10, injection pain, BIS values and hemodynamic parameters were recorded every minutes for the first 7 minutes and than every 2 minutes for 15 minutes. We used a special chart to assess the induction quality.

RESULTS: Demographical parameters and ASA Physical status were similar in all groups. There were no significant differences in induction quality, induction time and doses, injection pain, BIS values and hemodynamic parameters.

CONCLUSION: Abbott Propofol, Pofol and Propofol 1% Fresenius have similar effects on anesthesia induction quality and the cost should be taken into consideration when choosing the type of commercial formulation propofol emulsions.