2020, Vol. 3, Issue 4, Part A

Various drugs were investigated to attenuate the hemodynamic responses caused by laryngoscopy and intubation.

A drug which can blunt both the heart rate response and blood pressure response of laryngoscopy and intubation, without having any adverse effects would be ideal.

Dexmedetomidine, a relatively newer alpha agonist, has shown to attenuate haemodynamic response to direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation without much side effects.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of recently introduced alpha-2 agonist, dexmedetomidine as premedication in attenuating pressor response during Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal intubation. This was double blind, prospective, randomized controlled study.

Material and Methods: Test group: Patients received Intravenous Dexmedetomidine 1μg per kg in 100ml normal saline infusion for 15mins

Control group: Patients received 100ml normal saline infusion for 15mins.

Results: Dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 µg/kg body weight diluted in 100 ml of normal saline given intravenously before induction significantly attenuates the haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Dexmedetomidine also decreases the requirement of induction dose of propofol.

Dexmedetomidine also decreases the total dose of vecuronium bromide required for muscle relaxation.

There were no significant adverse postoperative events associated with the use of preoperative dexmedetomidine

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 µg/kg body weight diluted in 100 ml of normal saline given intravenously before induction significantly attenuates the haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.