“An Observational Study to Compare The Effects of Dexmedetomidine and Esmolol in Attenuating The Haemodynamicresponsetolaryngoscopy and Endotrachealintubation”

Abstract

Background: Laryngoscopy and intubation causes catecholamine release leading to sympathetic overdrive, resulting in hypertension and tachycardia. Different agents have been tried to overcome these responses over the years. Aims: To compare an alpha‑2 agonist, Dexmedetomidine, with Esmolol, a beta blocker and to observe which of two is more proficient in suppressing this hemodynamic response. Settings & Design: Randomized, observational and a prospective study. Subjects & Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for general anesthesia were divided into two groups, D (Dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg) and E (Esmolol 2 mg/kg), received either drug as an intravenous premedication over 10 minutes before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures and heart rate were measured at various time points. Percentage change of parameters at those time points from the baseline were compared between groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Demographics and hemodynamic parameters were compared for groups by one way (ANOVA) ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE. Paired t-test was used for comparison between groups, while for comparison within groups, unpaired t-test was used. Probability was said to be significant if p value was less than 0.05. Data was represented in mean and SD. Results: Percentage change of hemodynamic parameters from base line were less in Dexmedetomidine group than in Esmolol group. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups at time points within 1 minutes after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine was more effective than Esmolol in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.