Dexmedetomidine Versus Oral Pregabalin to Attenuate Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Orotracheal Intubation: A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION: The airway instrumentation of direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are powerful noxious stimuli that should be attenuated by appropriate premedication, smooth induction and rapid intubation. The present study compared the efficacy intravenous dexmedetomidine and oral pregabalin premedication for attenuation of haemodynamic pressor response to laryngoscopy and intubation.METHODS: A total of 60 patients of age group 20-50 years scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia with ASA physical status I and II were divided into two groups each of 30. Group D received intravenous dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg over 10 minutes before induction and group P received oral pregabalin 150 mg one hour prior to intubation. Parameters observed were heartrate and mean arterial pressure at baseline, after induction, immediately after intubation and then 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes thereafter.RESULTS: Attenuation of heartrate in group dexmedetomidine (78.12 ± 10.0 / min) immediately after intubation was statistically significant than group pregabalin (89.76 ± 10.45 / min). Mean arterial pressure significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after intubation with dexmedetomidine. As compared to oral pregabalin, attenuation of heartrate and mean arterial pressure was statistically significant till 30 minutes after intubation with intravenous dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg is more effective than oral pregabalin 150 mg in attenuating hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation.