Comparison of Efficacy of Esmolol and Labetalol in Preventing Laryngoscopy and Intubation Related Hemodynamic Response

Abstract

Introduction: Tracheal intubation is important and frequently performed procedure for anaesthesiologist. This study aimed to compare the effect of esmolol and labetalol in preventing hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. 

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, randomized and double blind study. Eighty patients of either sex, aged between 18 to 60 years, American  Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) category I and II, scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia are included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Pre-oxygenation was done. Then the study drugs were given according
to selected group according to lottery method. In esmolol group, esmolol 0.5mg/kg diluted with 10 ml of normal saline was given 2 minutes prior to intubation and in labetalol group, labetalol 0.1mg/ kg diluted with 10 ml of normal saline was given 5 min prior to intubation. Anesthesia was induced with injection propofol. Laryngoscopy was done after giving injection vecuronium and intubated
with appropriate sized cuffed tube. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded at post induction, before intubation and immediately after intubation at 1, 3, and 5 minutes of tracheal intubation. Any surgical stimulation was avoided till 5 minutes.

Results: There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the demographic data. Heart Rate, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) at baseline, post induction and at 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes between two groups were not significant statistically. 

Conclusion: This study concluded that the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation using esmolol and labetalol are similar.