A Prospective Study of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Local Anaesthetic Used in Supraclavicular Block

BACKGROUND To improve the quality of block (sensory and motor characteristics), postoperative pain management and reduce large doses of local anaesthetics, various adjuvants are used with local anaesthetic agents. We have evaluated dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block in terms of onset and duration of sensory and motor block & duration of postoperative analgesia. METHODS This is a prospective randomised comparative study. 60 patients who were admitted for elective surgeries of the lower arm, at the level of elbow, forearm & hand were enrolled. They were divided in to two groups of 30 patients each as follows - group RD: supraclavicular brachial plexus block given with 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine + 1 mL (100 μg) of dexmedetomidine. Group RC: supraclavicular brachial plexus block given with 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine + 1 mL of normal saline. Various parameters like onset times and durations of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, total analgesic needed, and side-effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS The time of onset of sensory and motor block was significantly early in dexmedetomidine group than in control group. The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly prolonged in group RD as compared to group RC. The duration of sensory block was 724.18 + 73.26 min in group RD (GD) and 582.16 + 93.12 min. in group RC (GC). The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group RD. CONCLUSIONS Addition of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine is associated with early onset of sensory and motor block. The duration of sensory and motor block was prolonged. The duration of analgesia was prolonged and patients required less rescue analgesia. The use of dexmedetomidine was associated with reversible bradycardia and sedation score was less KEYWORDS Ropivacaine, Dexmedetomidine, Adjuvant, Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

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Comparison between Morphine and Hyaluronidase Added to Local Anesthetic in Sonar Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block; Randomized Double Blinded Controlled Study

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2021/v33i1631011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155-165

Author(s):

Ahmed A. E. Elmaghraby ◽

Amany F. Omara ◽

Rabab M. Mohammed ◽

Ashraf E. Alzeftawy

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Normal Saline ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Control Group ◽

Morphine Group ◽

Rescue Analgesia ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Plexus Block

Background: Huge volumes of local anaesthetics used in conventional blocks may be associated with complications. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that hydrolyses hyaluronic acid in the tissue. It has been shown to aid the spread of local anaesthetics (LA) through tissue. The aim of this study was to compare between the addition of morphine or hyaluronidase to local anaesthetic in sonar guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block regarding the onset and duration of the block, postoperative analgesia and the total analgesic requirements in the first 24 hours. Patient and methods: Seventy-five patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I & II, aged 18-60 years, scheduled to acute or elective elbow, forearm or hand surgery under sonar guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block at Tanta University Hospital were randomly allocated into three equal groups; Group I (Control group) received 20 ml containing 9 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 9 ml lidocaine 2% plus 2 ml normal saline, group II (Morphine group) received 20 ml containing 9 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 9 ml lidocaine 2% plus 5 mg morphine in 2 ml normal saline and group III (Hyaluronidase group) received 20 ml containing 9 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 9 ml lidocaine 2% plus 1500 units of hyaluronidase in 2 ml normal saline. The onset of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative VAS, time to first rescue analgesia, total morphine consumption and possible side effects were recorded. Results: Onset of the sensory block and motor block was significantly shorter in the hyaluronidase group than control group and morphine group. Duration of the sensory block and motor block was significantly prolonged in morphine group than hyaluronidase group & control group. VAS started to increase at 6 hours in the control group, at 10 hours in morphine group and at 8 hours in hyaluronidase group. Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in morphine group than control group and hyaluronidase group. Total analgesic consumption of morphine was significantly lower in morphine group than control group and hyaluronidase group. Conclusion: Morphine was superior to hyaluronidase as regarding to improving the post-operative pain. The incidence of complications was nil and self-limited in the three groups.

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Comparative study between Fentanyl with (Lidocaine and Bupivicaine) Versus (Lidocaine and Bupivicaine) alone in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Upper Limb Surgeries

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa039.018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S A Elsebaay ◽

H A Elgendy ◽

M M Afifi

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Lidocaine Hydrochloride ◽

Control Group ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Group B ◽

Plexus Block ◽

Fentanyl Group

Abstract Background Post operative pain and stress is a very known complication of many surgical procedures which represents a burden for the patient and associated with many complications including stress, myocardial ischemia, prolonged hospital stay and the need of extensive post operative analgesia. Aim of the Work to study the effect of Fentanyl as an adjuvant to bupivacaine and Lidocaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. After taking approval from Local Ethical Committee approval and informed written consent from each patient, this randomized prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 patients who were divided into two groups: Group A (Control group): 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine + 6 ml of lidocaine hydrochloride 2% + 1 ml of Normal Saline 0.9%. Group B (Fentanyl group): 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine + 6 ml of lidocaine hydrochloride 2% + 1ml of fentanyl 50 ug/ml. Results our study showed that addition of a 50 microgram of fentanyl to bupivacaine and lidocaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block has statistically significant effect on the onset of sensory and motor block and prolonged the duration of the sensory and the motor block. In addition, fentanyl prolonged the duration of analgesia of the plexus block significantly, as proved by the time of request of first analgesia. Moreover, in fentanyl group, postoperative analgesic requirements were greatly lesser than that of bupivacaine and lidocaine groups. Addition of fentanyl also did not affect the hemodynamic to a significant level Conclusion fentanyl with bupivacaine and lidocaine more superior than the use of bupivacaine and lidocaine alone.

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Comparative study of (0.5%) levobupivacaine and (0.75%) ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block by lateral approach

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20172127 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 2426

Author(s):

Jitesh Kumar ◽

. Sweta ◽

Kumari Kanak Lata ◽

B. K. Prasad ◽

V. K. Gupta

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Lateral Approach ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Upper Limb Surgery ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Plexus Block

Background: As compared to general anaesthesia, brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery gives fewer side effects and better postoperative analgesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 0.5% levobupivacaine and compare it with 0.75% ropivacaine.Methods: For this prospective randomized, controlled study, 60 patients of both sexes of ASA grade 1 and 2 were enrolled and divided into two groups and supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed by lateral approach using 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine. The onset of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block and analgesia and possible adverse events were recorded.Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the onset of sensory block in both groups. Onset of motor block was significantly faster in levobupivacaine group (P<0.05). Duration of sensory block, motor block and analgesia was significantly longer in levobupivacaine group (P<0.05).Conclusions: 0.5% levobupivacaine is better alternative to 0.75% ropivacaine in brachial plexus block in term of early onset of sensory block and long duration of analgesia.

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Dexamethasone with Local Anesthetics Versus Local Anesthetics Alone in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Upper Limb Surgeries

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa039.020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A N Elshaer ◽

S G A Said ◽

D S Alawady ◽

A M Reyad

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Nerve Block ◽

Local Anesthetics ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Control Group ◽

Nerve Blocks ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Prolonged Hospital ◽

Plexus Block

Abstract Background Poorly controlled acute pain after surgery is associated with a variety of unwanted postoperative consequences, including patient suffering, distress, myocardial ischemia, prolonged hospital stays and an increased likelihood of chronic pain. Systemic analgesics (opioids and non-opioids) have long been used for postoperative pain, then neuroaxial or peripheral nerve blocks were employed. Local anesthetics alone were used, then various adjuvants were added to achieve quick, dense and prolonged block. Objective The aim of this study was to study the effect of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The comparison included the onset and the duration of the sensory and motor blocks, the duration of analgesia of the block as well as their effects on the postoperative analgesic requirements. The effect of the drugs on hemodynamics and monitoring the occurrence of any complication were also done. Patients and Methods In our study, 60 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Control group received bupivacaine only (0.5%) and dexa group in which 8 mg of dexamethasone were added to bupivacaine. All patients received equal volumes of 20 milliliters. Results Our study showed that addition of 8 milligrams of dexamethasone to bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block shortened the onset times of motor blocks and significantly prolonged motor and sensory block durations. In addition, dexamethasone prolonged the duration of analgesia of the plexus block significantly, as proved by the time of request of analgesia. Moreover, in dexa group, postoperative analgesic requirements were greatly lesser than that of bupivacaine groups. Addition of dexamethasone also did not affect the hemodynamics to a significant level. This makes dexamethasone with bupivacaine more superior than the use of bupivacaine alone. Conclusion Addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine in supraclavicular nerve block shortened the onset motor blocks. Addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine significantly prolongs of both sensory and motor block durations.

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A CLINICAL COMPARISON OF 0.75% ISOBARIC ROPIVACAINE WITH 0.5% ISOBARIC BUPIVACAINE IN SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK FOR UPPER LIMB SURGERIES

10.36106/paripex/1201660 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 43-46

Author(s):

Kalyan Sarma ◽

Bandana Mahanta ◽

Prabir Pranjal Das

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Motor Blockade ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

The Mean ◽

Group B ◽

Plexus Block

Background: Regional anaesthesia and analgesia, has the potential to provide excellent operating conditions along with better and prolonged post-operative with pain relief with fewer side effects. As a result, it is becoming increasingly popular for ambulatory anaesthesia and for day care patients.. Among the commonly used local anaesthetics, lignocaine and bupivacaine, bupivacaine has significant cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity. In addition, bupivacaine also has lesser differentiation between sensory and motor blockade post-operatively. Ropivacaine and levobupivacaine were developed to avoid the bupivacaine related toxicities. The clinical safety profile of ropivacaine seems to be more favourable than that of levobupivacaine. With this background the following study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ropivacaine 0.75% for brachial plexus block in upper limb surgeries and its clinical comparison with bupivacaine 0.5%. Aims and Objectives: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% as potential agents for brachial plexus block for surgeries of the upper limb around and below the elbow. Settings and Design: prospective, comparative, randomized, single blinded clinical trial. Materials and Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 100 patients physical status ASA I & II, of either sex, between 18-60 years, weighing between 40-60 kgs posted for upper limb surgeries around the elbow, forearm and hand were divide into two groups of 50 patients each. Group R (Ropivacaine group) received 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine 30 ml in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Group B (Bupivacaine group) received 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine 30 ml in supraclavicular brachial plexus block by using peripheral nerve stimulator. Vitals, sensory, motor and analgesia score at pre-defined intervals intra-operatively were noted. Onset of analgesia, sensory & motor blockade, total duration of post-operative pain relief (VAS ≥ 5) and time of demand of first rescue analgesic were also noted along with any intra-operative complications, if any. Statistical Analysis: All the results were expressed as Mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using Unpaired Student’s t-Test. Statistical significance was considered with a p value of ≤ 0.05. Results: Demographic profile and duration of surgery were comparable among the two groups. The mean time of onset of sensory block, onset of motor block and onset of analgesia were significant (p<0.05) in group R as compared to group B. The mean duration of sensory block and duration of post-operative analgesia were comparable between the two groups. However, the mean duration of motor block was significantly lower (p<0.05) in group R as compared to group B. the baseline hemodynamic variables and requirement of first analgesic dose and other adverse events were equivalent in both the group. Conclusion: Ropivacaine when compared with Bupivacaine, has faster onset of analgesia, sensory & motor blockade, significantly lesser duration of motor blockade. Ropivacaine also provides satisfactory post-operative analgesia with a stable hemodynamic profile similar to Bupivacaine with no undue adverse effects.

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Addition of clonidine or fentanyl with bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks in upper limb surgery - a randomized comparative study

Journal of the Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists ◽

10.3329/jbsa.v24i1.19792 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 3-7

Author(s):

Nasir Uddin Ahmed ◽

Mozaffor Hossain ◽

AKM Akhtaruzzaman ◽

Montosh Kumar Mondol ◽

UH Shahera Khatun

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Control Group ◽

Upper Limb Surgery ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Plexus Block

Background The popularity of supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb surgery in recent years are due to better understanding of using adjuvant to local anaesthetics, its advantages and in avoidance of the hazards of general anaesthesia. Objective To compare the quality of anaesthesia and duration of analgesia with clonidine-bupivacaine or fentanyl-bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Method A total number of 60 patients (ASA class 1 and II) were selected randomly into two groups, thirty in each group. Group-A (control group) received fentanyl (100ìg) 2ml and bupivacaine (0.25%) 38ml, total of 40ml.Group-B (study group) received clonidine (150ìg) 2ml and bupivacaine (0.25%) 38ml, total of 40ml.The parameters including pulse rate, non-invasive systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, SpO2, onset and duration of motor and sensory block, post operative pain score in VAS, duration of analgesia, first analgesic demand, side effects were assessed and recorded. Result Onset and duration of sensory block were significantly higher in group-B than in group-A (P<0.001) and motor block were quite prolonged in group-B than group-A (p<0.001), prevalence of sedation in group-B slightly higher than group-A. But intensity of pain measured by VAS in group-A expressed highest at 8 hours of postoperative period and group-B shows highest VAS at 12 hours. Duration of effective analgesia (time from supraclavicular block to first analgesic demand) in study group-B had significantly longer mean duration than that produced by control group-A (14.4 ± 1.3 vs 10.9 ± 1.5 hours; P<0.001). Conclusion Clonidine and bupivacaine combination is a better alternative to fentanyl and bupivacaine in respect of quality of anaesthesia and duration of analgesia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v24i1.19792 Journal of Bangladesh Society of Anaesthesiologists 2011; 24(1): 3-7

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Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Clinical & Investigative Medicine ◽

10.25011/cim.v40i3.28390 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. E111-E116 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Recep Aksu ◽

Cihangir Bicer

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Onset Time ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Block Success ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Group B ◽

Plexus Block

Purpose: Research is ongoing to determine the lowest dose of local anesthetics in brachial plexus block that provides adequate anesthesia and postoperative analgesia and reduces complications related to local anesthetics. Methods: Patients 18-65 years of age who underwent upper limb surgery and who received ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block at the Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between February 2014 and January 2015 were included in the study (n=50). Supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks were performed on Group B cases by adding 30 ml 0.33% bupivacaine and on Group BD cases by adding 15 ml 0.33% bupivacaine and 1 µg / kg dexmedetomidine. Block success was evaluated by the onset and block duration of motor and sensory block and the duration of analgesia. Results: The block success of Group B and Group BD was 92.6% and 89.3%, respectively (P = 1.000). Onset time of sensory block, degree of sensory block, duration of sensory block, onset time of motor block, degree of motor block and duration of motor block were similar in both groups in the intergroup comparison (P > 0.05). Duration of analgesia and the operative conditions of groups were similar (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In the implementation of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block, block success, sensory and motor block and analgesia duration were similar for patients anaesthetized with 30 ml of bupivacaine in comparison with dexmedetomidine+bupivacaine (when the bupivacaine dose was reduced by 50% by the addition of the adjuvant).

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COMPARISON OF CLONIDINE AND DEXMEDETOMIDINE AS AN ADJUVANT TO 0.5% BUPIVACAINE IN SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK: A RANDOMISED PROSPECTIVE DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies ◽

10.32553/ijmbs.v4i1.887 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kushal Jethani ◽

Preeti Sahu ◽

Seethal Ann

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Nerve Blocks ◽

Rescue Analgesia ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Plexus Block ◽

Group D

Background and Objectives: Alpha-2 agonists are used as adjuvant with local anaesthetic agents to prolong the duration of spinal, epidural and peripheral nerve blocks as well as to prolong the duration of post operative analgesia. We performed a study to compare clonidine(1ug/kg) and dexmedetomidine (1ug/kg) as an adjuvant to 0.5% bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: Eighty ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective upper limb orthopaedic surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were divided into two groups(n=25 each) in a randomized, double-blinded fashion. Group C received clonidine 1 μg/kg and Group D received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg added to bupivacaine 0.5% (30 cc). Onset and recovery time of sensory and motor block, as well as duration of analgesia were studied in both the groups. Results: Duration of sensory block and motor block was 220.12 ±50.3 and 280.1± 20.12 min respectively in group C, while it was 410.34± 60.12 and 460.4 ± 50.56 min respectively in group D and hence both were significantly prolonged in group D. No statistically significant difference was seen in onset of sensory and motor block between the two groups. The duration of analgesia i.e. time to requirement of rescue analgesia was 270.4± 56.7 mins and 452.7 ±64.23 mins in group C and D respectively and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine 0.5% in supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolonged the duration of sensory and motor block as well as the duration of analgesia when compared with clonidine. Keywords: Clonidine, dexmedetomidine, supraclavicular block

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A prospective randomized clinical study to compare the efficacy of 0.25% bupivacaine with clonidine and 0.25% levobupivacaine with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries

Indian Journal of Clinical Anaesthesia ◽

10.18231/j.ijca.2021.117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 543-550

Author(s):

Abhishek R ◽

Arun Aravind ◽

Shankaranarayana P

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Sensory Block ◽

Racemic Mixture ◽

Hemodynamic Parameters ◽

Randomized Clinical Study ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Plexus Block

:Bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic, available as a racemic mixture of Dextro and Levorotatory Isomers. Due to its rapid onset and longer duration of anesthesia, It is routinely preferred in various regional anesthetic techniques. However, it is associated with serious cardiovascular and neurological toxicity. Its pure S- enantiomer, Levobupivacaine having similar pharmacological profile is known to have lesser cardiovascular and CNS toxicity. Combining adjuvants like clonidine, a centrally acting partial alpha-2-adrenergic agonist to improve quality of anesthesia is common practice. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare efficacy and safety of 0.25% Levobupivacaine and 0.25% Bupivacaine when combined with clonidine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.Eighty patients aged between 18 to 60 years with ASA physical status I-II, scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under were randomized into two groups. Peripheral nerve stimulator guided Supraclavicular brachial plexus block was administered. Group BC received 30ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine and Group LC 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine plus 1µg/kg Clonidine. The time of onset of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block, perioperative hemodynamic parameters, postoperative pain for 24hours and adverse effects were studies.Group LC had faster onset of sensory block (p= 0.014) as well as faster onset of motor block (p= 0.012) compared to group BC. However, durations of sensory block and motor block were statistically not significant in both the groups (p>0.05). Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and assessment of pain during 24 hours of post operative period were comparable and statistically not significant.1mcg/kg of clonidine used as an adjuvant to 30ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine produces faster onset of sensory and motor block compared to 0.25% Bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. However, similar anesthetic efficacy in terms of duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamics and postoperative analgesia were observed.

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A prospective randomised study of adjuvants for supraclavicular brachial plexus block: Clonidine vs Dexamethasone

Indian Journal of Clinical Anaesthesia ◽

10.18231/j.ijca.2021.111 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 511-514

Author(s):

Akanksha Aggarwal ◽

Nimit Gandhi

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Local Anaesthetic ◽

Motor Block ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Upper Limb Surgery ◽

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Group 2 ◽

Plexus Block ◽

Group 1

Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is among foremost technique of regional anaesthesia administered during upper-limb surgery. Different adjuvants have been used with varied results for prolonging the sensory and motor blockade. Dexamethasone and Clonidine have been established as suitable adjuvants for blocks. Adding adjuvants to local anaesthetic drugs in nerve blocks has many benefits. We studied performance of dexamethasone or clonidine as additives to local anaesthetic in subclavian perivascular block as a part of upper limb surgery. Aim was to ascertain which of them is a better adjuvant. Study population was randomized to 2 groups of 50 patients each. Group 1 was given 5 ml of 2% lignocaine and 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 8mg dexamethasone. Group 2 received 5ml 2% lignocaine and 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.150 mg clonidine. Time to establishment of sensory & motor block, duration of analgesia and any adverse effects were observed. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 13.0. Quantitative variables were assessed using student t test. Qualitative variables were analysed using Chi square test. P value < 0.05 was defined as significant. Onset of sensory blockade was at 7.23+4.24 in group 1 and 8.36+2.68 minutes in Group 2. Average time to motor block was at 8.48+3.22 minutes in Group 1 and 9.58+3.71 minutes in Group 2. Analgesia’s duration in Group 1 and Group 2 was 998.2+338.5 and 879.3+284.5 minutes respectively. No major adverse events were seen in either group. Performance of dexamethasone was similar to clonidine as adjunct to local anaesthetic in subclavian perivascular approach of brachial plexus block. However, it has faster sensory and motor blockade’s onset. Analgesia’s duration observed was found to be longer, though the difference was statistically insignificant.

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