[The effect of etomidate on the upper airway reflexes]

Clinical observations during anaesthesia and intubation of emergency patients are presented showing a differentiated impact of etomidate (Hypnomidate) on upper airway reflexes: a blockade of pharyngeal reflexes with sustained but possibly delayed laryngeal reflexes and a certain protection against laryngospasm and vomiting. In addition etomidate enables, preferably in combination, difficult intubation with sustained spontaneous breathing due to its low respiratory depressant effect. These features were confirmed in a small foreshortened clinical study using thiopentone (Trapanal) or etomidate without muscle relaxants, whereby the difference in high risk patients became obvious. The impact of anaesthetics on airway reflexes is generally concealed by muscular relaxants, and observations on this matter are difficult to make subject to quantifiable parameters and controlled studies; accordingly such observations are scarcely found in newer anaesthetic literature. In the development of new techniques for intubation and anaesthesia without muscle relaxation, these methodical problems deserve attention.