Comparative study of midazolam–dexmedetomidine combination with propofol for sedation during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation

Abstract

Aim and objective The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and midazolam with propofol alone for sedation during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation. The study was conducted on 40 patients of either sex aged between 18 and 60 years belonging to ASA I–II grade scheduled for elective surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 patients each. Group I patients received intravenous midazolam 0.02 mg/kg followed by dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg bolus infusion over 10 min, and then an infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.1 μg/kg/h and titrated to 0.7 μg/kg/h to achieve an adequate level of sedation. Group II patients received intravenous propofol 6 mg/kg/h bolus over 10 min with an additional dose of 2.4 mg/kg/h as infusion until they were adequately sedated. Hemodynamic parameters, comfort scale values, and patient’s tolerance were assessed. Patients and methods Fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was done in both groups of patients, and after securing the tube, general anesthesia was administered. Within 24 h of the surgical procedure, each patient was asked to assess their experience with awake fiberoptic intubation. The data were recorded in the proposed proforma, and the final result was analyzed statistically. Results During sedation during fibreoptic procedure (FOS) and ET insertion, pulse rate (P=0.0116), systolic blood pressure (P=0.30), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.326), oxygen saturation (P=0.53), total comfort score (TCS) (P=0.031), and patient tolerance (P=0.023) were observed and showed statistically significant values. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine and midazolam group had a lower baseline mean heart rate. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure responses measured at preoxygenation, fiberoscope insertion and endotracheal tube placement were not significantly different for both patient groups. The five-point fibreoptic intubation scores showed better patient tolerance in the dexmedetomidine and midazolam group of patients and better comfort score as compared with propofol, and patients were calmer in the dexmedetomidine group.