Haemodynamic changes during induction of anaesthesia with midazolam and diazepam (Valium) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg and diazepam 0.5 mg/kg were used for induction of anaesthesia in two groups of 10 patients each undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Haemodynamic variables were measured during induction of anaesthesia, after pancuronium and following tracheal intubation. Haemodynamic indices were derived from these measurements using standard formulae. The induction of anaesthesia with midazolam produced a slight but significant increase in heart rate. There was a significant fall in systemic arterial pressure and pulmonary artery pressure following both drugs. Despite the fall in systemic arterial pressure, the cardiac index was maintained in patients who received midazolam. The cardio-stimulatory effect of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was not prevented by either of the benzodiazepines and morphine in the dosage used. Midazolam is a suitable alternative to diazepam as part of an intravenous induction regimen in patients with ischaemic heart disease.