LIGNOCAINE GEL USED FOR LUBRICATION OF INTRANASAL AND ENDOTRACHEAL-TUBES IN PREMATURE NEONATES

In this study, we have measured the plasma concentration of lignocaine and its metabolite, monoethylglycinxylidin, in 19 premature neonates (gestational age less than or equal to 33 weeks) when lignocaine gel w as used for lubrication of an intranasal tube (during continuous posit ive airway pressure treatment) or an endotracheal tube (for intubation ). We did not find any correlation between plasma concentration of lig nocaine or monoethylglycinxylidin and weight of the infant (range 795- 2530 g). None of the neonates had toxic levels of lignocaine. One neon ate had an exceptionally high but not toxic plasma level of monoethylg lycinxylidin. However, this neonate had been treated for severe seizur es with an iv infusion of lignocaine up to 13 h before the study. In c onclusion, we found it safe to use moderate amounts of lignocaine (i.e . 0.3 ml/kg of lignocaine gel 20 mg/ml) for lubricating both intranasa l and endotracheal tubes.