PLASMA LIGNOCAINE CONCENTRATION FOLLOWING NEBULIZATION FOR AWAKE INTUBATION

Nebulization of lignocaine is a common technique for preparing the air way prior to awake intubation. The aim of the study was to assay the s erum levels of lignocaine, Ten ASA I volunteers had 6 mg/kg of 10% lig nocaine solution nebulized via facemask Blood assays for peak levels w ere performed. Mean peak serum lignocaine level was 0.29 mg/l with a h ighest measurement of 0.45 mg/l, This peak occurred 30 minutes followi ng commencing nebulization, No subject developed symptoms or signs of lignocaine toxicity, Peak plasma lignocaine levels were an order of ma gnitude below the accepted toxic threshold of 5 mg/l. This indicates t hat supplemental doses of lignocaine via the bronchoscope can be given with safety.