To compare efficacy of bupivacaine and bupivacaine with dexamethasone for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper-limb surgeries: A one -year randomized controlled trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Brachial plexus block is a viable alternative to general anaesthesia as it provides adequate muscle relaxation,excellent intraoperative and post operative analgesia. Dexamethasone ,a synthetic glucocorticoid was combined with local anaesthetics to study the effects . This study was conducted to compare the onset and duration of sensory and motor block following administration of either bupivacaine and bupivacaine- Dexamethasone in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under USG guided supraclavicular block.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 ASA I / II patients between of 18 and 60 years who underwent elective upper limb surgeries randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each by a sealed envelope technique to receive 30 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine and 2 ml of normal saline in Group BS and 30 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine with 2ml (8mg) of Dexamethasone in Group BD. The onset duration of sensory and motor blockade were observed between the two groups.RESULTS: The onset of sensory and motor blockade was faster in Group BD when compared to Group BS (p<0.0001). The duration of sensory and motor blockade was longer in Group BD when compared to Group BS (p<0.0001). There were no significant haemodynamic changes in the study group.CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone when added to Bupivacaine in supraclavicular block shortens the onset time and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade without any systemic side effects.