Effects of dexmedetomidine on stress response during tracheal intubation under general an-esthesia in patients with poorly controlled hypertension

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The aim was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hemodynamics and stress responses during tracheal intubation under general anesthesia in patients with poorly controlled hypertension.

Methods This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study, it included 43 patients divided into an experimental group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received an intravenous infusion of 0.5 μg/kg DEX before anesthesia induction, while the control group was given an equal volume of normal saline. Heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure were recorded at multiple time points after induction and intubation, and the rate–pressure product (RPP) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U test or χ² test.

Results At first and third minute after intubation, significant increases in HR, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were observed in the control group (p < 0.01), whereas the experimental group showed no significant changes. All post-intubation hemodynamic parameters were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.001), with no difference in RPP. No adverse events or serious complications within seven days post-surgery occurred in either group.

Conclusion DEX effectively inhibits the sympathetic activation response induced by tracheal intubation, maintains hemodynamic stability, and demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

Keywords: dexmedetomidine; hypertension; intratracheal intubations; hemodynamics