A comparative analysis of bolus dose of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in attenuating haemodynamic stress responses following laryngoscopy and intubation

Abstract

Background: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation lead to tachycardia and hypertension due to increase in the plasma concentration of catecholamines subsequent to sympathetic stimulation. The present study was conducted to compare bolus dose of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in attenuating haemodynamic stress responses following laryngoscopy and intubation. Materials & Methods: 50 patients of ASA status I and II of both genderswere divided into two groups. Group I received 1 mcg/kg of Inj. Dexmedetomidine in 100 ml of normal saline over 10 minutes and 5ml of normal saline 3 minutes before induction. Group II received 100 ml of normal saline over 10 minutes and Inj. Fentanyl 2 mcg/kg diluted in 5 ml of normal saline 3 minutes before induction. Results: The mean SBP was 92.5 mm Hg in group I and 93.2 mm Hg in group II, DBP was 58.2 mm Hg in group I and 62.1 mm Hg in group II. MAP was 69.0 mm Hg in group I and 72.2 mm Hg in group II, heart rate was 62.9 bets/min in group I and 70.4 beats/minute in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Bolus injection of dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg given intravenously over 10 minutes prior to intubation provided consistent and reliable protection against the pressor response during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.