Venugopal S1, Jitesh M. Rasquinha2
BACKGROUND: Laryngoscopy and intubation are associated with cardiovascular changes such as hypertension, tachycardia, dysarrythythmias and even, myocardial ischemia and increased circulating catecholamines. This study highlights that premedication with dexmedetomidine attenuates the pressor response associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
METHODS: This is a double blind randomized controlled clinical study on 62 patients, undertaken to check the efficacy of iv dexmedetomidine 1 µg /kg in attenuating the cardiovascular stress response during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. This study was conducted with a population of patients undergoing elective surgeries. (aged 25-50 yr, ASAphysical class I-II). P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULT: 31 patients, each were categorized into Group A and Group B, Group A patients received 1 µg/kg iv dexmedetomidine in 100 ml of normal saline, 30 minutes before induction. Group B patients received placebo (100 ml normal saline), 30 minutes before induction.
CONCLUSION: From the study it is concluded that premedication with dexmedetomidine attenuates the pressor response associated with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The attenuation occurs within 5 minutes following laryngoscopy and intubation and becomes maximum by 10 minutes. The haemodynamic parameters reach near base line values after 5-10 minutes of intubation.
