ORIGINAL ARTICLE – Oral gabapentin reduces hemodynamic response to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation

Abstract

Background: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation increase blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). We studied the effect of gabapentin 800 mg given orally one hour before surgery on hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to one of the two groups. Group I received 800 mg of gabapentin and Group II received placebo with sip of water one hour before the induction of anaesthesia. After standard induction technique, study variables, pulse and noninvasive BP (systolic, diastolic and mean) and HR were noted every minute for first five minutes then at 10 and 15 minutes. Relevant demographic data and study variables were recorded.

Results: Mean systolic BP with Gabapentin was lower compared to placebo but it was significant at 1min (136±22vs149±23), 2min (120±21vs136±24), 10min (107±12vs118±16) and 15 min (106±13vs116±13) after intubation (P<0.05). Mean diastolic BP with gabapentin was significantly lower at 3min (69±15vs74±17) after intubation with P<0.05. Mean BP with gabapentin was significantly lower at 2min (91±18vs103±18), 10min (79±12vs88±13) and 15 min (79±14vs86±12) after intubation at P<0.05. Decrease in HR with gabapentin was significant at 10min (92±15vs101±18) and 15 min (87±14vs99±16) after intubation (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Oral gabapentin decreases the response to laryngoscopy and intubation on systolic BP at 2 min and 15 min; mean arterial pressure at 2, 10 and 15 min and HR at 10 and 15 min following laryngoscopy.

Citation: Iftikhar T, Taqi A, Sibtain A, Anjum S, Awan I. Oral gabapentin reduces hemodynamic response to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2011;15(1):17-20.