The Effects of Esmolol on the Hemodynamic Response to Orotracheal Extubation

The moment of extubation represents a critical period of anesthesia where important hemodynamic changes occur. These occur due to stimulation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi that generates an increased release of catecholamines. In high-risk patients, these hemodynamic changes can have serious consequences.

Many strategies have been used to control the hemodynamic response to airway manipulation during the period of intubation, but until today there is no standard therapy for this control during the period of extubation. Therefore, the investigators aim to study the use of beta-blockers in this context.

Beta-blockers are an attractive pharmacological strategy as they reduce the activation of the sympathetic nervous system proper at this time. Esmolol, due to its short half-life, can be an ideal tool to ensure better hemodynamic control.

There are few studies in the literature that study this drug during extubation, and there is no consensus on the best dose or method of administration for this moment.

Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using esmolol in attenuating hemodynamic responses at the time of tracheal extubation, by assessing the incidence of tachycardia in relation to placebo.

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to verify the hypothesis that esmolol reduces hemodynamic instability induced by tracheal extubation in surgical procedures at Base Hospital of the Federal District. The examiners responsible for patient assessment will not have access to the agents used.

Patients will be randomized through a randomly generated list. The examiner responsible for opening the envelope will make the draw, will include the patient in one of the groups, write down their data in the random list, prepare the syringe with the medication, and deliver it to the operating room so that the next examiners will not be aware of the administered drug.

Patients will receive standard general anesthesia and after the end of the surgical procedure, patients will be allocated the study drug (esmolol 2 mg/kg) or placebo group. All patients will receive sugammadex as a reversal of neuromuscular block and monitored appropriately.

The evolution of vital signs such as systolic blood pressure, mean heart rate, incidence and intensity of adverse events such as cough, bucking, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, vasopressor and anticholinergic consumption will be evaluated.