Evaluation of Nebulized Dexmedetomidine for Attenuation of the Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation: A Randomized Trial.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/eydc9t77Keywords:
Dexmedetomidine, Nebulization, Direct laryngoscopy, Endotracheal intubation, Hemodynamic response, Heart rate, Blood pressureAbstract
Background:
Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation cause a transient sympathetic response, resulting in increased heart rate and blood pressure. This study evaluated the effect of nebulized dexmedetomidine on this haemodynamic response.
Methods:
This prospective randomized comparative study included 108 patients aged 18–60 years with ASA physical status I or II undergoing elective surgery under general endotracheal anaesthesia. Patients were allocated to Group D (n = 54), receiving dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg diluted in 5 mL normal saline by nebulization, or Group N (n = 54), receiving 5 mL normal saline. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded at baseline, after nebulization, and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation.
Results:
The groups comprised 54 patients each. The illustrative baseline demographic profile showed comparable age, weight, sex distribution, and ASA physical status between the groups. Baseline haemodynamic parameters were also comparable. Following intubation, heart rate was significantly lower in Group D at 1, 5, and 10 minutes (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in Group D at all post-intubation assessment points (P < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also significantly lower in Group D (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Nebulized dexmedetomidine attenuated the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation.
Recommendation:
Further multicentre studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to establish its safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nishu Grover, Sheetal Singla, Ankur Sehgal, Priya Sharma
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