Pressor and catecholamine response to nasal intubation of the trachea

The catecholamine and cardiovascular responses to nasal intubation of the trachea with and without laryngoscopy have been compared in 23 patients allocated randomly to each treatment. Arterial pressure, heart rate and plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline were measured before and after induction and at 1, 3 and 5 min after intubation of the trachea. There were significant increases in systolic and diastolic pressures after tracheal intubation in both groups. The values at 1 min after intubation were significantly higher in the group undergoing laryngoscopy and intubation compared with the group undergoing blind nasal intubation.