Nalbuphine versus dexmedetomidine for attenuation of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation: A randomised double blind comparative study

Abstract

Laryngoscopy and intubation are noxious stimuli which result in marked sympathetic response. However, literature search did not reveal any study comparing nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine for attenuation of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. After Institutional Ethical Committee approval and written informed consent, 80 ASA I and II patients were randomised in two groups of 40 each. Group N received 0.2 mg/kg of nalbuphine; group D received 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine over a period of 10 min. Anaesthesia was induced as per standard general anaesthesia practice. Haemodynamic parameters [Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), & Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)] were recorded at baseline, 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 min following intubation. Patients were also observed for any side effects of the study drugs.There was a significant decrease (p<0.001) in mean HR in group D compared to group N, after administration of drug and 1 min after intubation. Both group N and group D showed no significant increase in mean HR at any time point compared to baseline values. There was no significant increase in mean SBP at any time interval in both the groups when compared to baseline. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in mean DBP and MAP at the time of intubation in group N whereas no significant increase in mean DBP, and MAP was observed in group D at any time point. Dexmedetomidine was found to be more effective in attenuating haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation as compared to nalbuphine.