English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal adjuvants has gained popularity with the aim of prolonging the duration of block, quality of block and decreased resource utilization compared with general anaesthesia. However they are not free from side effects. We evaluated the effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine (45 micgm) to hyperbaric bupivacaine on perioperative and neonatal outcome following lower segment caesarean section. Study period: January -July 2012. METHODS: 60 female Patients undergoing elective cesarean section (LSCS) were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 each to receive intrathecally either 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine alone(group B) or 45 µg of clonidine (group C), added to 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. The onset time to reach T 6 sensory and Bromage 3 motor level, the regression time for L1 sensory and Bromage 0 motor block, Sedation scores, hemodynamic changes, APGAR score and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Onset of bromage 3 motor block and time to reach T 6 sensory dermatome level was statistically similar between group B and group C. The time for regression of sensory block to L1 dermatome was increased by addition of clonidine (p <0.001 B vs. C). The duration of postoperative analgesia was 164.42±24.64 min in group B and 260.71±38.46 min in group C which was statistically significant. (P<0.001). New born apgar score shows that addition of clonidine is safe for new borns. CONCLUSION: Addition of 45 μg clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for LSCS significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia without any increase in maternal and neonatal side effects.