DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i01.044

Pages: 208-214

Layngoscopy and endotracheal intubation usually induces sympathomimetic responses which may produce life threatening arrhythmias, left ventricular failure or rupture of cerebral aneurysm in susceptible patients. Esmolol and Labetalol attenuate these responses but are associated with side effects like bradycardia, hypotension etc. We have done this prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy of intravenous esmolol and labetalol for attenuation of sympathomimetic responses to endotracheal intubation. This is a prospective, randomized and placebo controlled study. 75 ASA Grade I and II patients of aged 18-60 yrs posted for elective surgical procedures, requiring endotracheal intubation were included in the study. Patients were allocated to three groups of 25 each. Group C (Control) received 10ml of 0.9% saline IV, Group E were given 1mg/kg of esmolol diluted with 10 ml of 0.9% saline IV, Group L were given 0.5mg/kg of labetalol diluted with 10 ml 0f 0.9% saline IV. All the patients were administered same anesthesia. HR, SBP, DBP and MAP were recorded prior to intubation, then 1 minute, 3 min, 5 min and up to 10min post intubation. Compared to placebo, esmolol and labetalol significantly attenuated HR, SBP, DBP and MAP during laryngoscopy and intubation. Labetalol was a better agent than esmolol in attenuating the sympathomimetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.