Study of the effects of atropine sulphate premedication on body temperature and heart rate in children

ABSTRACT

Atropine sulfate was used as a sole premedicant drug in pediatric anesthesia by two routes of administration [subcutaneous or intermuscular injection] to determine its effect on core and skin temperatures as well as the heart rate and rhythm. Two groups, each consisted of 20 children, were included in the study. Atropine sulphate was used in a dose of 0.01 mg/kg body weight 45 minutes before induction of anaesthesia. Measurements made were core and skin temperature, heart rate, calculated mean arterial blood pressure and electrocardiographic tracing. Both routes of administration caused decreased core body temperature and a rise in skin temperature, increased heart rate, a decrease in calculated mean arterial blood pressure and the same electrocardiographic changes in the form of sinus tachycardia. The intramuscular route caused more core heat loss, more tachycardia, more decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure