Effects of preloading with intravenous fluids (crystalloids) on propofol- fentanyl induced hemodynamic changes during general anaesthesia

Background: Propofol and fentanyl are the commonly used drugs for induction of general anaesthesia. Propofol when given alone does not cause much changes in hemodynamic status of normal healthy (ASA grade1) individuals. When it is given in combination with fentanyl causes detrimental effects in patients especially compromised patients. The most common deleterious effects is hypotension and other cardio respiratory disturbances. These hazardous and sometimes fatal effects can be reduced and eliminated by preloading the patients with crystalloid solutions (Ringer Lactate). This study was planned to find the effects of preloading the patients with crystalloid fluids and study the hemodynamic effects of these drugs during induction of general anaesthesia. Objective: To find out the effect of intravenous crystalloid fluids preload on haemodynamic changes produced by propofol and fentanyl induction in general anesthesia. Method: We selected 60 patients who visited this hospital. All the investigations and pre-anaesthetic check-up was done routinely. These patients had to undergo different surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. The induction of anaesthesia was done with propofol and fentanyl. These patients were divided in two groups A and B. Group A patients did not receive any preloading with fluids. Group B was preloaded with crystalloid (Ringer Lactate solution). The hemodynamic changes were noted and analysed statistically. Conclusions: We concluded that preload with crystalloids fluids is beneficial to counter the detrimental effects of propofol and fentanyl induction for general anaesthesia. The preload of fluid stabilise the patient haemodynamically.