Prospective Randomized Controlled Study Comparing IV Lignocaine Infusion Versus IV Magnesium Infusion for...

The goal of perioperative management in reactive airway disease (RAD) patients is to ensure optimal airway stability, maintain adequate oxygenation, and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation while minimizing airway irritation and inflammation. Due to the airway hyperresponsiveness and increased risk of respiratory complications in RAD patients, non-opioid adjuncts that provide both bronchodilation and analgesia are preferred. Lignocaine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) have emerged as effective agents in this context.

A total of 60 patients were randomized into two equal groups: group A (lignocaine, n = 30) and group B (magnesium, n = 30). Drugs were given according to the respective groups before induction of anesthesia until the end of surgery.

The data implied that lignocaine may provide more consistent early analgesia than magnesium. Peak airway pressure was comparable in both groups. Hemodynamics and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were not significantly different between the groups, and the rescue analgesia requirement was less in the lignocaine group. Concerning sedation score and postoperative nausea and vomiting, there was no significant difference between the groups. The duration of hospital stay in the lignocaine group showed a higher mean duration (4.07 ± 0.37 days) compared to the magnesium group (3.53 ± 0.51 days).

These results suggest that the choice between lignocaine and magnesium can be individualized based on specific clinical goals: lignocaine may be preferred when immediate postoperative analgesia is the priority, whereas magnesium may be favored for promoting better pulmonary recovery and a faster discharge from the hospital.