Evaluation of the Effect of Dexmedetomidine on the Suppression of the Adrenergic Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation

Objectives: Dexmedetomidine is a potent agonist of α-2 receptors with sympatholytic, sedative and analgesic properties. Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are associated with hemodynamic changes due to reflex sympathetic discharge; causing hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Several drugs have been used to control this haemodynamic response however, none harmless. Materials and methods: Sample of 60 patients, divided into two groups, the DM1 group received a dexmedetomidine dose of 0.5 μg/kg, and the DM2 group received a dose of 1 μg/kg of the same drug diluted in 100 cc of solution, which it was administered in 10 min. The hemodynamic variables (HR, SBP, DBP and MAP) and sedation during two periods were verified. Results: In the first stage there was a decrease in the SBP in the DM1 group of 9 and 11% with respect to the baseline at 5 and 10 min (p=0.8443 and p=0.1650). Similar trends were found with the DBP and the PAM. In the second stage, SBP, DBP and MAP showed statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine at an intravenous loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg presents hemodynamic stability before and after intubation, with no evidence of adverse effects.