[Effects of etomidate infusion on serum cortisol in patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of etodimate infusion on serum cortisol in patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer operations during the perioperative period.

Methods: Forty ASA I-II patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer were randomly divided into etomidate group (Group E) and propofol group (Group P) (n=20). The serum cortisol was measured at 8:00 am (T(0)) before anesthesia, 4:00 pm (T(1)) on the day of operation and 24 h after the operation (T(2)) by radioimmunoassay.

Results: Compared with that at T0, the serum level of cortisol significantly increased at 24 h after the operation in both groups (P<0.01); serum cortisol decreased lightly at T1, which was not statistically significant (P>0.05), and remained higher than the normal level. At each of the time points, serum cortisol levels were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Etomidate infusion can not inhibit the synthesis of cortisol in patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer.