A randomized double-blind controlled study of attenuation of hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation after intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine  is a highly selective short acting alpha 2 agonist. It can provide sedative, analgesic, anxioytic effects with minimal respiratory depression. Several studies also suggest efficacy in blunting hemodynamic  responses to laryngoscopy and intubation.  Since intravenous  use has been associated with several cases of sudden cardiac arrest and delayed post operative  recovery, we use intranasal route for our study which also is said to have good patient acceptance.  We intend to study the attenuation of hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation following preoperative intranasal administration  of dexmedetomidine  45 minutes prior to laryngoscopy and intubation when given at a dose of 0.5 micrograms per kg. Additionally we also intend to study preoperative  anxiolysis and sedative properties of dexmedetomidine  when given intranasal. This shall be compared against intranasal administration of saline 45 minutes prior to laryngoscopy  and intubation.  The study shall be done in a randomized  double blinded placebo controlled manner. Statistical  tests  for significance shall be performed  after obtaining  the data.