The Effects of α2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Dexmedetomidine on Hemodynamic Response in Direct Laryngoscopy

Background: In anesthesia practices, the prevention of sympathetic discharge is important. Dexmedetomidine is a sedative with anxiolytic and analgesic effects. However, its effects on hemodynamic response in direct laryngoscopy are not clear. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine with well-known premedication agent midazolam. Methods: Intramuscular 0.05mgkg-1 midazolam (GroupM) or intravenous 1??gkg-1 dexmedetomidine (GroupD) was applied to cases who were scheduled for direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia. Heart Rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured before premedication and noted down as control values. Preoperative hemodynamic parameters, recovery times and sedation levels of both groups were compared. Results: In the comparison of MAP of the groups at the postintubation 1st and 5th min, the values of Group M were significantly higher (p=0.04, p=0.002). Mean postintubation MAP values at the 1st, 5th, and 10th min and mean postextubation MAP values, at the 1st min of GroupM were significantly higher than the mean control MAP (p=0.001, p=0.003, p=0.008, p=0.002, p=0.008 respectively). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine premedication is a more effective alternative to midazolam premedication for hemodynamic stabilization and early recovery in direct laryngoscopy operation.