Effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) in obtunding the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation compared to intravenous preservative free 2% lignocaine (1.5mg/kg)

Background: Haemodynamic variation during layngoscopy/intubation is always a matter of concern for Anesthesiologists. A stable circulatory system is the wish of all performing general anaesthesia. Hence an acceptable and easy method needs to be established to prevent the haemodynamic variations. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of intravenous Dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) infusion in obtunding the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation compared to intravenous preservative free 2% Lignocaine (1.5mg/kg).Methods: In this study, 60 patients, aged between 18-60 years belonging to ASA I and II are included. They were randomly divided into 2 groups, each comprising of 30. In group D, patients were given Dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg IV infusion over 10min and in group L, patient were given Lignocaine 1.5mg/kg IV.Results: In group D, the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and heart rate decreased significantly, from baseline, at first, second, third, fourth and fifth minute post intubation. In group L, the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and heart rate increased from baseline at first and second minute and then decreased at third, fourth and fifth minute post intubation.Conclusions: When compared between the two groups all the hemodynamic parameters showed statistical significance. There are no significant side effects and severe haemodynamic variability like hypotension and bradycardia. Therefore we concluded that Dexmedetomidine is superior to lignocaine in blunting the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation without any significant side effects.