DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.056

Pages: 296-303

Background and Aims: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Dexmedetomidine has an affinity for alpha2 receptors 8 times greater than that of clonidine. The study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine and clonidine on the pressor response among patients undergoing tracheal intubation in elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. Methods: After ethical clearance, this randomised double blinded study including 116 patients, aged between 18 to 55 years, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classes I and II scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into Groups A (n=58) and B(n=57). Group A received dexmedetomidine 0.5mcg/kg and Group B received clonidine 3mcg/kg, both diluted in 0.9% 100 ml saline and were infused over a period of 10 minutes. Heart rate (HR), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before administration of the drugs, after induction, immediately after intubation and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 minutes after intubation. Adverse effects if any were noted. Results: Demographic characteristics in both the groups were comparable. Mean of SBP (Group A124±14.70 vs Group B 135±24.66mmHg, p=0.003), DBP (Group A 84.02±11.71 vs Group B 9.63±17.09mmHg, p=0.042), MAP (Group A 97.34±12.75 vs Group B 104.68±18.98mmHg, p=0.016) and HR (Group A 79.95±10.22 vs Group B 85.07±16.06bpm, p=0.043) immediately after intubation was lower in Group A. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 0.5mcg/kg infusion over 10 minutes before induction blunts haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation more effectively than clonidine 3mcg/kg without any significant adverse effect.