European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation often provoke an undesirable increase in arterial blood pressure and/or heart rate1,2,3. Alpha 2-adrenergic agonists like dexmedetomidine have been extensively used to suppress the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.
Methods: The study was conducted among 60 ASA grade I and II patients between 18-60 years of age, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. The study population was subdivided randomly into 2 groups each consisting 30 patients. Group D received Dexmedetomidine 0.5mcg/kg IV diluted to 10 ml with normal saline. Group S received Normal saline 10 ml IV.
Results: There was a significant fall in HR in group D at 5 and 10 minutes after drug administration. The mean HR increase observed at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation in group NS was statistically significant. The mean SBP values at 5 and 10 minutes after drug administration were significantly low in group D. The increase in SBP in group NS at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation was statistically significant. The mean DBP values at 5 and 10 minutes after drug administration were significantly low in group D. The increase in DBP in group NS at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation was statistically significant. There was a significant difference in MAP values at 5 and 10 minutes after drug administration which was statistically significant. The increase in MAP in group NS was statistically significant at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation.
Conclusion: We conclude that Dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation effectively attenuates the hemodynamic response as compared to normal saline without major adverse effects.