Intra-ocular pressure and haemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation and extubation: a comparative study in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous children

This prospective, controlled study was conducted to compare the effects of tracheal intubation and extubation on intra-ocular pressure changes and hae modynamic parameters in paediatric patients with and without glaucoma. The children were scheduled for intra-ocular surgery. Twenty children with norm al intra-ocular pressure and 15 with glaucoma were studied. A standardised general anaesthetic was administered to both groups. After 5 min of anaesth esia, intra-ocular pressure, heart rate and noninvasive blood pressure were measured. These measurements were repeated 30 s and 2 min after tracheal i ntubation. Further measurements were taken before, and 30 s and 2 min after extubation. The increase in intra-ocular pressure after intubation was gre ater ill the glaucomatous group than in the normal group. The increase in i ntra-ocular pressure mas greater after extubation than intubation in both g roups, but was similar in the two groups. However, because of the already i ncreased intra-ocular pressure in glaucomatous children, they may be at an increased risk of visual damage after intubation and extubation.