Comparative study of dexamethasone nebulisation with magnesium sulphate nebulisation in preventing post operative sore throat following endotracheal intubation Ashwini H1, Kumari K Seema2,*, Lavanya R3 1Associate Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesia, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Karnataka, India 2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Anaesthesia, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Karnataka, India 3Statisfician, Dept. of Anaesthesia, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author: Email: drseemavbhat@gmail.com
Online published on 3 January, 2019. Abstract Introduction Post-operative sore throat is one of the most common complications following endotracheal intubation. Though considered minor complication, it may cause significant patient dis-satisfaction. Various non-pharmacological and pharmacological trials have been used with variable results. Objectives To compare the efficacy of nebulised dexamethasone with that of nebulised magnesium sulphate in decreasing the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST). Materials and Methods In this prospective double blind study 90 patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation lasting <3hr were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group D received dexamethasone 8mg (2ml) with 3ml saline nebulisation and group M received magnesium sulphate (50%W/V 2ml) with 3ml saline nebulisation 30 min before the induction of anaesthesia. Primary outcome assessed was incidence and severity of POST. Secondary outcome assessed were the incidence of post-operative hoarseness and cough. Results Compared to group M, significantly lesser number of patients in group D had post-operative sore throat at 0hr (p= 0.0262), 4th hr (p=0.00022), 8th hr (p=0.00039) and 12hr (p=0.000657). None of the patients in group D had any hoarseness of voice at 0hr, 4th hr, 8th hr of assessment (p= <0.05). Except one patient in group M, none of our patients in either of the group had cough at any point of assessment. Conclusion Preoperative dexamethasone nebulisation just before induction of anaesthesia is an effective method of reducing the incidence and severity of POST following endotracheal intubation. Dexamethasone nebulisation reduces the severity of sore throat more effectively than magnesium sulphate nebulisation. Top Keywords Postoperative sore throat, Nebulisation, Hoarseness, Cough, Dexamethasone, Magnesium sulphate. Top |