To Evaluate the Efficacy of Intravenous Infusion of Dexmedetomidine as Premedication in Attenuating the Rise of Intraocular Pressure Caused by Succinylcholine in Patients Undergoing Rapid Sequence Induction for General Anesthesia: A Randomized Study.

CONTEXT

Laryngoscopy and intubation performed during RSI lead to choroidal blood volume increase and an eventual rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). Use of succinylcholine (SCh) causes an undesirable rise in IOP which is further aggravated by laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective centrally acting α adrenergic agonist that has IOP lowering properties.

AIMS

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) as premedication in attenuating the rise of IOP and adverse effect if any caused by SCh in patients undergoing RSI for general anesthesia.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This was a double-blind, randomized trial.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty adult patients in the age group of 20-50 years scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Group I (dexmedetomidine group) ( = 30) received i.v. infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) and Group II (control group) ( = 30) received i.v. infusion of 50 ml normal saline as premedication.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15.0 statistical Analysis Software.

RESULTS

It was observed that Group I (dexmedetomidine group) had a better attenuating effect over the increases in IOP in patients undergoing RSI for general anesthesia using SCh. An increase in IOP was seen in Group II (control group) patients with RSI.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in the present study indicate that i.v. dexmedetomidine effectively attenuates the increases in IOP with an additional advantage of control on hemodynamic responses following RSI.