Ventilatory effects of eltanolone during induction of anaesthesia: Comparison with propofol and thiopentone

We recorded the ventilatory effects of eltanolone 0.75 mg kg(-1), propofol 2.5 mg kg(-1) and thiopentone 4 mg kg(-1) at induction of anaesthesia in 76 unpremedicated patients, aged 18-65 yr. Measurements were made using a pneumotachograph incorporated between a close-fitting face mask and a T-piece delivering 35% oxygen. Eltanolone caused significantly less apnoea than propofol (incidence 57% vs 100%) and less reduction in ventilation than propofol (median maximum decrease 4.8 vs 7.8 litre min(-1)), but the differences between eltanolone and thiopentone were smaller and generally not significant. Ventilatory frequency was maintained well in the eltanolone group.