After taking an approval from hospital ethics committee and a written informed consent, 120 patients in the age group of 18-60 years of either sex, ASA grade I and II were allocated into three groups of 40 patients each in a randomized double blind manner with every patient receiving 100 ml of test drug solution via intravenous route as follows:

Group I (n=40): Dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg in normal saline making a total of 100ml

Group II (n=40): Magnesium sulphate 30mg/kg in normal saline making a total of 100ml

Group III (n=40): Normal saline to a total of 100ml

            The results were compiled and compared statistically in terms of demographics, duration of surgery, sedation scores, BIS values, hemodynamic parameters- heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and ECG changes and any adverse effects. All the groups were comparable in terms of age, sex and ASA status. Dose of propofol required for intubation and the dose of vecuronium required intraoperatively were also recorded.

To summarize-

1.    Lower BIS levels themselves facilitated smooth tracheal intubation without any pressor responses as seen in placebo group.

2.    Use of both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate may prove beneficial in the anaesthesia settings where BIS monitoring facilities are lacking, due to their BP & HR lowering properties.

3.    However, both the adjuvants i.e. dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate reduced the time to reach BIS 40-60 by producing sedative effects, but Ramsay Sedation Scores were comparatively higher in dexmedetomidine group.

4.    Sparing of propofol was exceptionally more in dexmedetomidine treated study population.

5.    MgSO₄ although caused less propofol sparing effect but had an additional vecuronium sparing effect.

6.    In balanced anaesthesia, titration of propofol and other anaesthetic agents guided by BIS index, decreases the incidence of intraoperative awareness, decreases the dose of propofol and significantly improves the recovery.

7.    Use of BIS monitoring as an objective marker for assessing the level of consciousness and as a guide to determine end points of anaesthetic requirements, can prevent the over-infusion or under-dosage of anesthetic drugs.