Comparison of Esmolol and Lignocaine in Attenuation of Stress Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation

Hypertension and tachycardia occurring during laryngoscopy and intubation could be deleterious to certain patients. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of Esmolol and Lignocaine in attenuating the stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation in 60 normal healthy patients of ASA grade I and II , of either sex , in the age group of 18-60 years for elective noncardiac surgery requiring general anaesthesia. This was done by noting the pressor response variables namely Heart rate, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure and Mean arterial pressure. The trends of these parameters were noted at frequent intervals in the first 8 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. There were no arrythmias. The results were statistically analysed . Compared with the Lignocaine group, the attenuation of stress response variables were better in the Esmolol group. Esmolol was found to be more effective than Lignocaine  in controlling the stress response to larngoscopy and intubation. Esmolol 1 mg/kg was found to be safe and effective  in controlling the pressor response to laryngoscopy and intubation.