Study Of The Relationship Of Age And The Rate-Pressure Product (Rpp) Response To Endotracheal Intubation

Abstract

The effect of age on the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation is not widely studied especially among members of the black race. One hundred and sixteen patients were included in the study comprising 52 males and 64 females, aged between 18 and 67 years (mean 41 ± 18.2yrs). In the operating theatre, each patient's baseline heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and rate pressure product (RPP) were determined. Anaesthesia was induced with 4mg Kg-1 I.V. thiopentone and 1.5 mg Kg-1 suxamethonium chloride. Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were undertaken. One minute after intubation, the HR, SAP and RPP were determined. The post intubation change in the haemodynamic variables was taken as the haemodynamic response to intubation.
The patients were divided into five 10-year age groups. The relationship between the RPP response to intubation and the patients' age group was determined and rational conclusions deduced. The five age groups were 18-27 yrs, 28-37 yrs, 38 – 47yrs, 48-57 yrs, and 58 – 67 yrs. Of these, the median age group in the study (38-47 yrs), showed the greatest increase in RPP after intubation. The response tapered on both sides of the median age group.


Keywords: Endotracheal Intubation, Rate-Pressure Product Response, Age.

Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 4 (1) 2005: pp. 26-34