Cardiovascular Effects of Althesin in Patients With Cardiac Pathology

An Assessment of Althesin for the Induction of Anaesthesia in Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Comparison With Thiopentone

“…However, conflicting results have been described following the administration of Althesin to patients with cardiac disease. In five patients with cardiac pathology Harrison and Sellick (1972) found a profound reduction in mean arterial pressure of over 40% associated with a tachycardia following the administration of Althesin (mean dose 50 /*l/kg, injected over 30 sec). They concluded that, in view of the hypotensive effect of the drug, they could not continue to use Althesin in such patients until they could measure cardiac output.…”

Cardiovascular haemodynamics after induction of anaesthesia with althesin in patients with valvular heart disease

“…2 Althesin has been shown to cause cardiovascular depression in patients with valvular heart disease when administered together with pancuronium. 4 We present the details of a haemodynamic study of the cardiovascular actions of Althesin when used for induction in patients with cardiac valvular disease.…”

A Comparison of Some Cardiorespiratory Effects of Althesin and Ketamine When Used for Induction of Anaesthesia in Patients With Cardiac Disease

“…Althesin also has been used for the induction of anaesthesia in patients with heart disease. One study was abandoned because of the hypotensive action of Althesin (Harrison and Sellick, 1972). These results were unexpected in view of the findings that the cardiovascular effects of Althesin in fit patients are similar to those of the barbiturate induction agents (Savege et al, 1972).…”