Pretreatment with 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch to Reduce Propofol Injection Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (Code- T0212)

Introduction: Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic known for its rapid onset and short duration of action. However, pain on injection (POPI) is a common issue, with an incidence ranging from 30% to 90%. Various techniques have been explored to mitigate this pain, but with inconsistent results. Colloids, such as 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES), have been proposed to modify endothelial cell permeability, potentially reducing the activation of pain mediators during propofol injection.

Aim and Objectives:

Aim: To study effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch pre-administration for reduction of pain on propofol injection.

Objectives:

• To compare the incidence of pain on propofol injection in patients receiving study drug versus controlled drug.
• To compare severity of propofol injection pain in the 2 group
• To compare hemodynamic effect in both study group.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study will be conducted at J.A. Group of Hospitals and G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, involving 120 adult patients (ASA I-II) undergoing elective surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 100 mL of 6% HES or normal saline five minutes before propofol injection. Pain will be assessed using the McCririck and Hunter verbal rating scale. Hemodynamic parameters and adverse events will also be recorded. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software, with a significance threshold of p<0.05.

Results: The study anticipates that pretreatment with 6% HES will significantly reduce the incidence and severity of POPI compared to normal saline, without adverse hemodynamic effects.

Conclusion: If effective, 6% HES may offer a simple and safe strategy to minimize pain during propofol injection, improving patient comfort during anesthesia induction.

Keywords: Propofol, injection pain, hydroxyethyl starch, anesthesia, randomized controlled trial, hemodynamics.