The Role of Magnesium Sulfate in Tracheal Intubation without the Administration of Muscle Relaxants in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction Muscle relaxants are commonly used to facilitate endotracheal intubation; However, there are some limitations. So that some studies suggest that Magnesium Sulfate is a suitable alternative to muscle relaxants.

This study was designed to determine the effect of Magnesium Sulfate combined with Propofol and Fentanyl in patients undergoing various surgeries

Materials and methods In a randomized, double-blind protocol and prior to endotracheal intubation, Magnesium Sulfate (40 mg/kg in 100 ml of normal saline) was administered intravenously in 40 cases undergoing different surgeries.

Statistical data for patients were recorded by

• Age
• Gender
• ASA physical status assessment
• Body mass index

Results Patient demographic data including age, gender, BMI, and ASA patients physical assessment were not statistically significant.

Clinically noted :

• Endotracheal intubation took slightly longer time
• Endotracheal intubation with magnesium sulfate infusion was successful in less than 20%
• The use of magnesium sulfate resulted in less need for maintenance doses of muscle relaxants – less consumption of Relaxants

Conclusion: Following fixed intravenous infusion rules, Magnesium Sulfate did not provide an alternative option to muscle relaxants in our study. ( Succeeded in 20% of our study cases – 8 patients were successfully intubated ). However, it did contribute to reducing muscle relaxant and analgesic consumption during the later stages of surgery after endotracheal intubation, and it reduced the need of analgesia in the early hours after surgery.