The impact of low-dose ketamine anesthesia on C-reactive protein in patients with septic shock

Objective To investigate low-dose ketamine anesthesia on C-reactive protein ( CRP ) in patients with septic shock. Methods 30 patients with septic shock who had been hospitalized during the period of October 2008 to January 2011 were randomly assigned to receive ketamine anesthesia (15 patients, study group )or general anesthesia with etomidate, vecuronium, and fentanyK 15 patients, control group ). Blood CRP levels were detected before induction of anesthesia ( Tl ), 1h after surgery ( T2 ), and 24h after surgery ( T3 ). Results There was a significant difference in CRP levels between the two groups at T2 and T3 ( P< 0.05 ). There were significant differences in CRP levels between T2 and T1, T3 and T1, and T3 and T2 ( P< 0.05 ). Conclusions Ketamine is a common intravenous anesthetic agent. Small-dose ketamine not only has an analgesic effect, but also has a significant anti-inflammatory effect, effectively reducing CRP levels in septic shock. Key words: Ketamine;  Septic shock;  C-reactive protein