LARYNGEAL MASK INSERTION - Effect of Age on Hemodynamic Responses -

For the past few decades laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was being widely used to provide spontaneous as well as controlled ventilation for surgical patients. Since it does not cross the glottic opening, the hazard of laryngoscopy especially sudden elevation of blood pressure and tachycardia are thus avoided. Various studies have shown that airway management with LMA may be used to avoid the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation, when such a response is undesirable. Induction of anesthesia, direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation induces marked cardiovascular changes as well as autonomic reflex activity. Various factors can alter the hemodynamic response, and age is one of them. The pressor response was not seen in term neonates who were intubated awake but was present in infants who showed a significant rise in blood pressure5 . Elderly patient on the other hand showed an attenuated chronotropic response but had a significant blood pressure rise. The aim of our study was to find the effect of age on hemodynamic response after LMA insertion.