Efficacy of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate as adjuvant to bupivacaine among patients undergoing lower extremity surgeries

Abstract

In this prospective randomised double blind study, an attempt was made to compare the effects of adding dexmedetomidine 10 mcg or magnesium sulphate 50mg to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine on subarachnoid block characteristics and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective lower extremity surgeries. Randomization of the participants was done in three equal groups (n=30). A total of 90 patients of age between 18-60 years of either sex and good physical status posted for elective lower extremity surgery were included. Group B received 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine(3ml) with 0.5ml preservative free normal saline,Group D received 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (3ml) with 10 mcg dexmedetomidine in 0.5 ml preservative free normal saline intrathecally and Group M received 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (3ml) with 50mg magnesium sulphate (0.5ml) intrathecally for subarachnoid block. Different parameters of sensory block, motor block and analgesia effect were assessed as outcomes. Results showed that the groups were similar in demographic parameters like age, sex, height, weight, physical status. Bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine as adjuvant shows early onset of sensory and motor block, early onset of peak block height, prolonged sensory block, prolonged two segment regression time.