ABSTRACT
The possible changes in arterial blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm during oral endotracheal intubation using two different methods of induction were studied in 40 patients. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group included 20 patients who were induced by thiopentone sodium and gallamine triethiodide. The second group was induced by halothane. Each group was subdivided into two groups, the first of which was premedicated with atropine while the second was not. It was found that laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were accompanied by the occurrence of cardio-vascular responses in the form of tachycardia, hypertension and dysarrhythmias. Milder changes in heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac rhythm were seen after halothane induction. Atropine premedication augments these changes. It was recommended to with hold atropine premedication except when really indicated