Clinical evaluation of dexmedetomidine on haemodynamic stress response during laryngoscopy and intubation: A randomized double blind parallel group placebo controlled study

The physiological changes caused by laryngoscopy and intubation are due to sympathetic discharge leads to increase in blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, leading to haemodynamic instability which may cause myocardial ischemia, left ventricular failure or cerebral hemorrhage. Aims And Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomedine in attenuating haemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval, 100 patients posted for planned surgery were randomized in to two groups to receive 100 ml of normal saline in Group C and Inj. dexmedetomidine 1?g/kg in 100 ml of normal saline in Group D intravenously over 10 minutes, 30 minutes before induction. Standard general anesthesia was given to all patients. Patients were monitored for haemodynamic changes and Sedation score at various specific timings as per the protocol. Result: There was significant decrease in heart rate and blood pressure after giving infusion of dexmedetomedine and remain stable during and after laryngoscopy and intubation. Conclusion: We conclude that dexmedetomidine in a dose of 1?g/kg given half an hour before induction effectively blunts the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.