Two-Stage Infusion of Etomidate for the Induction and Maintenance of Anaesthesia

Abstract

A two-stage infusion technique of etomidate with a separate infusion of fentanyl was compared with thiopentone and halothane or morphine, plus nitrous oxide in oxygen, for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in 200 patients. Cardiovascular and respiratory indices and recovery times were found to be similar in the two groups.

In Response

“…Lees and Antonios used a final infusion dose of 10 µg/kg/min (after a loading dose) in combination with a fentanyl infusion. 5 Fragen et al 6 also used a final infusion dose of 10 µg/kg/min (after loading infusions) in combination with bolus fentanyl ranging from 150 to 500 µg. Clearly, the dose of etomidate has to be adapted to the particular clinical situation, as with any other anesthetic drug.…”