Background: Induction of anaesthesia, laryngoscopy and intubation are critical events and hemodynamic stability is an important factor during this period. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on induction with respect to hemodynamic response, induction time and smoothness of induction also to evaluate the combined effect of dexmedetomidine with propofol and sevoflurane on cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and intubation.

Methods: A total of 120 American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I and II patients undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups. Both the groups received dexmedetomidine 1.0µg/kg diluted to 10ml, infused over 10min, 10min before induction. Group DP (Dexmedetomidine Propofol) received Inj propofol 1.5-2mg/kg titrated till the loss of verbal response (n= 60) andGroup DS (Dexmedetomidine Sevoflurane) were induced with sevoflurane 8% till loss of verbal response (n =60). Heart rate (HR) Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rate pressure product (RPP) were recorded at baseline (T0), 2 min after administration of drug (T1), 1min after induction (T2) and at 1, 3, 5 and 10 min after intubation (T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively).

Results: There was a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate from pre-induction values within both groups after induction. The reduction in MAP and RPP was significantly more in group DP at 1min to 5min after intubation than group DS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Induction of anesthesia with Propofol and dexmedetomidine demonstrated a shorter induction time and greater decrease in mean arterial pressure at laryngoscopy and intubation.