Comparison of eltanolone and propofol on a pressure-volume analysis of the heart

We designed a randomized study to compare the effect of eltanolone and propofol on cardiac contractility. Patients were anesthetized, tracheally intubated and ventilation controlled. Propofol, 1.25 or 2.5 mg/kg, or eltanolone, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg, or a lipid emulsion only was administered in an intravenous (IV) bolus dose. Pressure-volume analysis was used based on radial artery pressure and transesophageal left ventricular cross-sectional area. Both propofol and eltanolone have negative inotropic properties in humans. We conclude that equianesthetic doses of these drugs produce similar changes in myocardial contractility.