Therapeutic Efficacy of dexmedetomidine on the pressor response due to endotracheal intubation and on the induction dose of propofol for surgeries under general anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Pressor response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation has been associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic responses which can be attenuated by alpha 2 receptor agonists. Aims: The present study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in attenuating hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation and also on the induction dose of propofol. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, parallel group, placebo-controlled study in tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 patients aged 18–60 years, American Society of Anaesthesiology 1 and 2, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia (GA). Each patient in Group 1 received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine at 0.001 mg/kg over 10 min before induction of anesthesia and Group 2 received 20 ml normal saline over 10 min. Hemodynamic parameters prior to laryngoscopy and up to 10 min after intubation were measured. The requirement of induction dose of propofol was also calculated. Results: Dexmedetomidine showed significant efficacy in suppressing pressor response during endotracheal intubation. Furthermore, lesser dose of propofol was required for induction of GA. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant in GA to prevent pressor response during intubation and decrease the requirement of intravenous induction agent propofol.

Keywords

• dexmedetomidine
• intubation
• laryngoscopy
• response