Comparing Esmolol and Lidocaine for Reducing Cardiovascular Stress Response during Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation

Abstract

Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation often trigger a cardiovascular stress reaction due to reflex sympathetic stimulation. This response can pose risks to patients with conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial disease, or cerebrovascular disease. To address this concern, various medications have been explored to mitigate this stress response. This study was conducted in light of the aforementioned considerations to assess the comparative effectiveness of intravenous esmolol and lignocaine in suppressing the cardiovascular stress response. Patients were divided into three groups, each consisting of 10 individuals. Group-C received no medication under investigation. Group-L received lignocaine, while Group-E received esmolol three minutes before intubation. All groups were monitored for changes in hemodynamic parameters, such as heart rate (HR) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, every minute from intubation up to 5 minutes afterward. The results indicated that patients administered esmolol exhibited superior attenuation of the stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation compared to those given lignocaine.