Effects of ciprofol versus propofol sedation on hypoxaemia and hypotension in elderly patients undergoing bidirectional endoscopy: protocol for a randomized controlled trial - Report - MDSpire

Effects of ciprofol versus propofol sedation on hypoxaemia and hypotension in elderly patients undergoing bidirectional endoscopy: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Yue Fei

  • Minjun Gu

  • Xinlong Li

  • Liangyu Zheng

  • Youjia Yu

  • Zhengjie Chen

  • June 9, 2026

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Comparative Study of Ciprofol and Propofol Sedation in Elderly Patients

Overview

This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial comparing ciprofol and propofol sedation in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. The primary focus is on the incidence of hypoxaemia and hypotension, with the aim of determining if ciprofol offers improved cardiorespiratory stability.

Background

Elderly patients are at heightened risk for respiratory and hemodynamic instability during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Propofol is commonly used but is associated with significant adverse events such as hypoxaemia and hypotension. Ciprofol, a newer sedative, may provide comparable efficacy with potentially fewer complications, making this comparison clinically relevant.

Data Highlights

This study will enroll 184 patients aged ≥65 years, comparing the incidence of hypoxaemia and hypotension between ciprofol and propofol during sedation.

Key Findings

  • The primary outcome is the composite incidence of hypoxaemia and hypotension during sedation.
  • Ciprofol may have a sedative potency 4-5 times greater than propofol.
  • Previous studies indicate ciprofol may reduce the incidence of respiratory depression and hypotension compared to propofol.
  • High-quality evidence regarding ciprofol's safety in elderly patients is currently lacking.
  • Monitoring guidelines emphasize the importance of vigilance in older adults undergoing sedation.

Clinical Implications

The findings from this trial could influence sedation practices in elderly patients, potentially leading to safer sedation protocols. If ciprofol proves to be safer, it may become the preferred agent for sedation in this vulnerable population.

Conclusion

This trial aims to provide critical evidence on the safety and efficacy of ciprofol compared to propofol in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, addressing a significant gap in current clinical knowledge.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Zhou et al., Digestive Endoscopy, 2026 -- Ciprofol Versus Propofol for the Prevention of Hypoxia During Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures in Overweight Patients
  2. Surgical Endoscopy, 2024 -- The Use of Intravenous Lidocaine Reduces the Rate of Sedation-Related Adverse Events in Elderly Patients Undergoing ERCP: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Determination of the 90% effective dose of propofol combined with oliceridine or fentanyl for inhibiting the insertion response in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a dose-finding trial
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Effects of dexmedetomidine nasal spray combined with propofol for deep sedation in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective randomized study
  5. ASGE Guidelines, 2025 -- Guidelines for sedation and anesthesia
  6. Oxygen Levels During Surgery and Their Impact on Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults Undergoing Major Abdominal Operations: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
  7. GUIDELINE Guidelines for sedation and anesthesia i
  8. Ciprofol Versus Propofol for the Prevention of Hypoxia During Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures in Overweight Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial - Zhou - 2026 - Digestive Endoscopy - Wiley Online Library

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