COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS CLONIDINE AS AN ADJUVANT TO BUPIVACAINE IN ULTRASOUND GUIDED SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK

Abstract

Background & Aims: Apha-2 agonists are combined with local anaesthetics to extend the duration of regional anaesthesia. We compared the effect of dexmedetomidine vs clonidine with bupivacaine with respect to duration of motor and sensory block and duration of analgesia in supraclavicular brachial block. Methods: Hundred patients scheduled for elective forearm and hand surgery were divided into two equal groups in a randomized double blind fashion. The patients received ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. In group C (n=50) 29ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 1mcg/kg of clonidine diluted to 1ml and in group D (n=50) 29ml of 0.5% bupivacine plus 1mcg/kg of dexmedetomidine diluted to 1ml was given. Onset and duration of motor and sensory block and duration of analgesia were recorded. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 22.0 software.Statistical signicance was dened as P<0.05. Result: The addition of 1μg/kg of dexmedetomidine to 29ml of bupivacaine (0.5%) produces a shorter onset time for sensory and motor blockade in comparison to 1μg/kg clonidine added to 29ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (p<0.05). It also prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperatively the duration of analgesia is prolonged with minimal reduction in pulse rate, blood pressure. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach results in a shorter onset time for sensory and motor blockade, prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade and also the duration of analgesia in comparison to clonidine.