Thiopental sodium and propofol are commonly used to induce anesthesia. This study was conducted to compare the hemodynamic effects of propofol and thiopental sodium during the induction of general anesthesia in elderly patients.

Forty patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. In group T, thiopental sodium was used to induce anesthesia, whereas propofol was used in group P. Hemodynamic changes in the mean blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac index (as determined using a NICCOMO monitor) and bispectral index (BIS) during induction were then compared between the two groups. In addition, the dosage of induction agent, time required until loss of response to verbal order (LOV) and eyelid reflex were compared between groups.

The mean blood pressure was significantly lower in group P than in group T during the 1-5 min following LOV and during the 2, 3 min following intubation (P < 0.05). However, the heart rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. The cardiac index also did not differ significantly between groups, except during the first 3 min following LOV. Finally, the BIS value were significantly lower than the baseline values in both groups during induction.

In elderly patients, the heart rate, cardiac index and BIS value did not differ significantly between the two groups. But the mean blood pressure was significantly lower in propofol than in thiopental sodium.