Nerve Block In Children Research Articles

Can computerized intraosseous anaesthesia replaces the inferior alveolar nerve block in children? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Can computerized intraosseous anaesthesia replaces the inferior alveolar nerve block in children? A randomized controlled clinical trial

A randomized controlled trial to assess parental satisfaction with computerized intraosseous anesthesia versus inferior alveolar nerve block in children

This study aimed to compare parental satisfaction between two pediatric dental anesthesia techniques, computerized intraosseous anesthesia (CIA) and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). This study was designed as a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 52 parents of children undergoing dental treatment were enrolled in the study. Each participant received both CIA and IANB anesthesia, with the order of administration randomized. Parental satisfaction was evaluated using the parental satisfaction of dental local anesthetic techniques scale (PSLAS). Statistical analysis revealed that parental satisfaction regarding CIA was higher than that for IANB with a significant difference (P ˂ 0.05). However, there was no difference regarding the age, gender or the education level of the parents. (P > 0.05). This study provides insights into parental satisfaction with pediatric dental anesthesia techniques and highlights the influence of socioeconomic factors on anesthesia decision-making. Within the limitations of this trial, it was concluded that CIA was significantly superior to IANB in overall parental satisfaction. However, parental satisfaction values were lower in CIA group regarding costs and concern from complications. In addition, it was concluded that there was no difference in satisfaction levels regarding the gender, age and education level of the parents.

Evaluation of age-based local anaesthetic dosing of bupivacaine for popliteal sciatic nerve block in children undergoing foot and ankle surgery: A prospective single arm interventional study.

Recommendations on paediatric single-injection local anaesthetic (LA) dosing for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are based on the children's weight and limited by weight-based toxicity concerns. In this study, we assessed the extent of circumferential spread and block characteristics following the injection of an age-based volume (age in years = LA volume) of 0.25% bupivacaine following popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB). Thirty children aged between 2 and 12 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II and undergoing foot and ankle surgical procedures were given single-injection ultrasound-guided subparaneural PSNB using 0.25% bupivacaine at age-based LA volume after the administration of anaesthesia. The circumferential pattern of LA spread (primary objective) was assessed along the nerve (both cephalad and caudal) using ultrasound from the point of administration and the block characteristics in terms of duration of sensory block. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] cephalic circumferential LA spread distance was 2.52 (0.68) [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.27-2.76] cm. The mean (SD) caudal circumferential LA spread distance was 2.27 (0.48) [95% CI: 2.09-2.44] cm. The mean (SD) duration of the sensory block was 9.03 (0.97) [95% CI: 8.67-9.38] h. The age-based LA volume of bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided PSNB resulted in a longitudinal circumferential spread of around 4.7 cm (adding both cephalic and caudal spread) and provided adequate analgesia for nine postoperative hours.

A Prospective Observational Study Analyzing the Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Block and Nerve Stimulator-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block in Children Undergoing Hypospadias Repair.

Hypospadias repair is a common pediatric surgery. While caudal block (CB) is the most widely used procedure for analgesia, pudendal nerve block (PNB) can be utilized as an alternative. We evaluated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of CB and PNB in children undergoing hypospadias repair. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated 101 patients who received standard general anesthesia along with CB or PNB. Postoperative pain score (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability {FLACC} score) along with the total number of analgesicdoses and the total amount of analgesic drugs consumed within 24 hours were noted. Time to first rescue analgesia, post-block penile length and midshaft circumference, surgeon satisfaction score, and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Out of 101 patients observed, 50 received CB, and 51 received PNB. At 24-hour interval, the median FLACC score in CB was 6, while in the PNB, it was 4 (p<0.001). None of the patients who were given PNB received more than three doses (p<0.001), and the average consumption of analgesic drugs within 24 hours was significantly higher in CB (38.4±4.28) compared to PNB (21.7±6.33) (p<0.0001). The median time to first rescue analgesia in CB was four hours, while in patients receiving PNB, it was eight hours(p<0.001). The increase in penile volume was significantly higher with CB as compared to PNB (p<0.001). Surgeon satisfaction score was found to be better with PNB (p<0.002). Patients who received PNB had significantly reduced pain scores and analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours post surgery.

Effect of the Case for Carpule as a Visual Passive Distraction Tool on Dental Fear and Anxiety: A Pilot Study.

The present cross-over study aimed to evaluate the effect of a visual passive distraction tool, a case for carpule, in the management of fear and anxiety during invasive dental treatment. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 years that need at least two treatments with inferior alveolar nerve block were selected. All the included children received two treatments at different moments: in one treatment, local anesthesia was performed with a visual passive distraction tool, the crocodile case, for carpule (experimental); in the other treatment, local anesthesia was performed without the device (control). An evaluation of the anxiety levels was performed by measuring the heart rate and salivary cortisol levels. Wilcoxon's nonparametric test was used for a data analysis (p < 0.05). The mean heart rate with the visual passive distraction device fell from 81.8 to 78.1, while the control rose from 91.4 to 100 (p < 0.05). The mean salivary cortisol levels with the visual passive distraction device fell from 2.0 to 1.6, while in the control, they rose from 2.1 to 2.4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the crocodile case for carpule as a visual passive distraction device contributed positively to the management of fear and anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

Sucrose solution for alleviating needle pain during inferior alveolar nerve block in children aged 7-10 years: a randomized clinical trial.

Intraoral local anesthesia is essential for delivering dental care; however, injection of this local anesthetic is perceived as the most painful and distressing agent for children, parents, and healthcare providers. Reducing pain as much as possible is essential to ensure smooth subsequent treatment procedures, especially in pediatric dentistry. In clinical practice, oral sucrose administration has been reported to decrease the pain during heel lance and cold pressor tests in neonates and children. This study aimed to determine whether the prior administration of a 30% sucrose solution reduced the pain related to inferior alveolar nerve block in children. A total of 42 healthy children aged 7-10 years requiring dental treatment of mandibular molars involving inferior alveolar nerve block were recruited. The participants' demographic details were recorded, height and weight were measured, and the anesthetic injection was delivered after receiving the respective intraoral sucrose solution and distilled water by the intervention (group 1) and control (group 2) group participants for 2 min. The subjective pain perceived during injection was measured using an animated emoji scale. The pain scores between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The median pain score and range for the intervention and control groups were 4 (2 - 6) and 6 (4 - 8), respectively, and statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in the intervention group. Age, sex, height, and weight did not influence the analgesic effect of the sucrose solution. Oral administration of sucrose may relieve pain associated with inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

Effect of audio distraction with thermomechanical stimulation on pain perception for inferior alveolar nerve block in children: a randomized clinical trial

Effect of audio distraction with thermomechanical stimulation on pain perception for inferior alveolar nerve block in children: a randomized clinical trial

Comparison of pain perception between computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery and the conventional syringe for inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

Local anesthesia (LA) is commonly used for pain control in clinical dental practice. However, it is often perceived as the most painful part of the treatment and the factor leading to the avoidance of dental care. Hence, research on better means of pain management is being conducted. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare pain perception using the No Pain III™ computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) system and the conventional syringe, for inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in children. Thirty children aged 6-12 years were included in the study. Children were randomly allocated into 2 groups by the flip of a coin. Group A received LA by conventional syringe and group B received LA by No Pain III™, on the contralateral side. Physiological parameters including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were assessed at baseline, during the deposition and after the deposition of LA. A subjective evaluation of pain perception was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS). The measured values were subjected to statistical analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed between group A and group B for pain perception using the WBS, systolic BP and RR. The use of the No Pain III™ CCLAD system resulted in reduced pain perception and better acceptance when compared to the use of the conventional syringe, for IANB in children.

Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia with or without Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Children Undergoing the Nuss Procedure: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

Background Two analgesic strategies have been described for pain treatment after the pectus excavatum surgery: the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) and ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block. In this prospective, randomized and double-blinded trial and the short and long-term outcomes were compared in patients after surgery. Methods The children were randomized to either the intercostal or control group. Ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block was with 0.25% ropivacaine and 5 mg dexamethasone in the intercostal group, while the control group was with 0.9% normal saline. The block was performed in the intercostal space corresponding to the lowest depression of the sternum and repeated bilaterally in the spaces above and below. Postoperatively, the children in the two-groups received PCIA with fentanyl for 48 hours. The primary outcome was a pain score on the postoperative day 1, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results Sixty children undergoing the Nuss procedure were enrolled in the trial. The mean differences in VAS scores between the two groups were 3.2 in the PACU (p < 0.001), 1.7 on postoperative day 1 (p < 0.001) and 0.7 on postoperative day 2 (p=0.015). The opioid consumption was significantly lower in the intercostal group during the postoperative 48 hours (p < 0.05). The anxiety and QOL scores in the intercostal group were significantly improved on some points of time (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events was markedly lower in the intercostal group during the postoperative 48 hours (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our results suggest ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block with PCIA may be more effective than PCIA alone in children who underwent the Nuss procedure.

Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Local Anesthetic Infiltration and Ultrasound-guided Abdominal Wall Nerve Block in Children Undergoing Ambulatory Inguinal Hernia Repair

PurposePlacement of local anesthetics either as infiltration (LAI) or as abdominal wall nerve block (AWNB) has been shown to reduce postoperative pain following laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to compare intraoperative remifentanil consumption and postoperative pain of AWNB and LAI in children undergoing ambulatory two-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery with propofol-remifentanil based general anesthesia. DesignRandomized controlled trial. MethodsChildren aged between 1 and 6 years undergoing two-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were enrolled for analysis. These children received one of the three anesthesia regimens (1) standard general anesthesia (SGA); (2) SGA with preemptive LAI; (3) SGA with preemptive AWNB; and were categorized accordingly. Primary outcome variable were intraoperative average infusion rate of remifentanil and postoperative FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability) pain score. Secondary outcome data included demographics, intraoperative variables (hemodynamics and bispectral index score recorded at three different time points), and duration of surgery. FindingsA total of 90 children (30 in each group) were included in the analysis. General information, intraoperative hemodynamic variables, bispectral index score, and duration of surgery were not significantly different among groups. The intragroup variation of hemodynamic variables were less stable in the SGA group compared with the other two groups, while BIS score was similar among groups. The intraoperative infusion rate of remifentanil was significantly lower in the AWNB group than in the SGA or the LAI group (median [25th to 75th centiles]: 0.11[0.11 to 0.11] µg/kg/min, 0.33[0.33 to 0.33] µg/kg/min; 0.17[0.17 to 0.20] µg/kg/min, respectively, P < .001 for both), and lower in the LAI group than in the SGA group (P < .001). The postoperative FLACC pain score was significantly lower in the AWNB group than in the SGA or the LAI group (P < .001 for both). ConclusionsAWNB is associated with a lower intraoperative remifentanil requirement and a lower postoperative FLACC pain score compared with LAI in children undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with propofol-remifentanil based general anesthesia.

Reversed ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block in children: A retrospective study

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Assessment of Mandibular Foramen Position for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children

Introduction: In children the administration of inferior alveolar nerve block at the target site varies and repeated injection may result in a negative behavior and also increase the risk of overdose. This study correlates the relative position of the mandibular foramen with occlusal plane as a clinical guide for inferior alveolar nerve block in children from 3-13 years.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 orthopantamographs of children from June 2021 to January 2022. The radiographs were digitally traced, analyzed to obtain linear and angular measurements of mandibular foramen to occlusal plane, anterior, posterior and lower border of mandible along with gonial angle. Paired t-test, unpaired t-test was used along with Karl Pearson’s test for correlation.&#x0D; Results: The results suggested that the needle for inferior alveolar nerve block should be placed below the occlusal plane in 3–4 year (L-1.38, R-1.36 mm approximately), above the level of occlusal plane in 5–7 years (L-2.59, R-2.77 mm), 7–9 years (L-3.71, R-3.86 mm), 9–12 years (L-3.5, R-4.14 mm), 11–12 years (L-3.97, R-4.35 mm), and 12–13 years (L-4.24, R-4.7 mm) old children respectively. The distance of the mandibular foramen from anterior border of mandible was greater than that from posterior border and the gonial angle values decreased with subsequent stages. However, there was statistically significant mean difference in mandibular foramen from anterior border of ramus as well as occlusal plane between right and left sides.&#x0D; Conclusions: There was vertical and horizontal alteration in the position of the bony landmarks within the jaws and it is necessary to modify the placement of needle during inferior alveolar nerve block with advancing age due to skeletal growth and also between right and left sides. The decrease in gonial angle indicated increased growth potential of the mandible with age.&#x0D;

Comparison of postoperative analgesic effectiveness of caudal block, dorsal penile nerve block, and pudendal nerve block in children undergoing circumcision

Purpose: This study aimed at comparing the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of three types of nerve blocks (caudal block, dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB), and pudendal nerve block (PNB) in children undergoing circumcision.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, patient records of those who underwent circumcision during an 18-month period were included in this study. Data collected included demographics, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, nerve block application time, rescue analgesic time, duration of anesthesia and surgery, recovery time, and postoperative complications. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain scale.&#x0D; Results: A total of 216 male patients, aged 2-12 years, were included in this study. The majority received DPNB (n= 78), followed by caudal block (n= 72) and PNB (n= 66). The FLACC pain scores were significantly higher in the DPNB group. Rescue analgesics were required by 49 patients, all of whom were in the DPNB group. Postoperative complications were more frequently observed among those with the caudal block, compared to DPNB and PNB.&#x0D; Conclusion: Caudal and pudendal nerve block had the highest effectiveness in terms of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing circumcision. The decision of choosing between them should take into account the experience of the practitioner, as well as side effects.

The Effect of Breathing Exercise Using Bubble Blower on Anxiety and Pain during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children Aged 7 to 10 Years: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breathing exercise using bubble blower on anxiety and pain during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in children aged 7 to 10 years. Materials and Methods In this randomized crossover clinical trial, thirty-five children with moderate to severe anxiety requiring bilateral pulp therapy of mandibular primary molars were enrolled. Based on random lists, 18 children received the BE + IANB and 17 children received a routine IANB at the first session. This trend became reverse at the second visit for each child. Anxiety was measured using Facial Image Scale (FIS), blood pressure, and pulse rate. Face Leg Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong–Baker Facial Pain Scale (WBFPS) were used for pain measurement. The Paired Samples Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Interclass Correlation Coefficient were used for data analysis. Results The means of FLACC, WBFPS, FIS, blood pressure, and pulse rate were higher at the control visit. However, these differences were statistically significant only for FLACC scale and WBFPS (P value <0.05). In subgroup analysis, only girls and children without any previous dental treatment showed significant differences in FLACC scale and WBFPS between the control and bubble blower side (P value <0.05). Conclusion Breathing exercise using a bubble blower may be an efficient distraction and relaxation method to decrease pain of 7- to 10-year-old children with moderate to severe anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block. However, anxiety levels were lower when applying BE, and the differences were not statistically significant.

A Comparative Study between Caudal and Penile Blockade in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Hypospadias Repair

Abstract Background Regional anesthesia, in combination with general anesthesia, is frequently used for children undergoing surgical procedures. Aim of the Work to compare postoperative analgesia between caudal block and penile block with bupivacaine in elective hypospadias repair cases in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods This study is a randomized clinical study conducted in the operating theaters of pediatric surgery unit in Ain shams university hospitals. The study was performed after ethical committee approval and informed consent from the parents after full explanation of the procedure, possible side effects and complications. This study was done in the period between March 2019 and August 2019.it included sixty male children undergoing hypospadias repair. Results Postoperative pain was evaluated by FLACC pain score at PACU, 2, 4 and 8, 12, 16 and 24 hrs. There was a significant increase in the pain score in group C starting from the fourth hour postoperativly and thereafter every hour, while the lowest pain scores were recorded in group P (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Also, the time to first need for rescue analgesia was significantly shorter in group C (240 +/-105 min) compared with group P (720 +/-301) (P&amp;gt;0.01).The total rescue analgesic requirement was significantly lower in group P (168.26 +/22.69) than group C (573.8+/- 124.1) (P &amp;lt; 0.01).Postoperative time of ambulation was significantly lower in group C (6.95+/- 3.22) compared with group P (5.28+/-1.99) (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion Dorsal penile nerve block in children undergoing penile surgery provides effective and a longer duration of postoperative analgesia and decreased postoperative analgesic requirements with more hemodynamic stability both intraoperatively and postoperatively, as it is safer and easier to perform, with higher success rates than caudal epidural block, which is invasive and shows some difficulty in practice.

An in vivo, randomized, controlled comparative evaluation of efficacy, hemodynamic changes, and postoperative complications of 4% articaine using buccal infiltration and 2% lidocaine using inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular primary molars of children aged 6 to 8 years.

To compare and evaluate the efficacy, hemodynamic changes, and postoperative complications of 4% articaine using buccal infiltration and 2% lidocaine using inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular primary molars of children aged 6 to 8 years. 100 participants were randomly distributed to receive either 4% articaine using infiltration anesthesia or 2% lidocaine using inferior alveolar nerve block on each side of the mandibular arch, in two different appointments, after a 1-week interval. The pain perception was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale (WBFPRS). In both the appointments, the efficacy and onset of anesthesia were evaluated using an electric pulp tester. Hemodynamic parameters, which included pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels, were evaluated using a pulse oximeter. Postoperative complications were evaluated at 24-hour follow-up. Pain score recorded with block was more painful compared to infiltration (P < .05). Anesthetic success was observed with both the local anesthetic agents, with no significant differences (P > .05). Shorter onset of action was observed with articaine (P < .05). Statistically significant differences between groups were noted with regard to heart rate (P < .05). Oxygen saturation levels did not show significant differences (P > .05). When postoperative complications were evaluated with either 4% articaine or 2% lidocaine, very few adverse effects were recorded (P > .05). Buccal infiltration using 4% articaine has the potential to replace 2% lidocaine using inferior alveolar nerve block in children.(Quintessence Int 2021;52:780-786; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b1492247).

Comparison of effectiveness of three distraction techniques to allay dental anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundAmong the numerous methods used to control anxiety, distraction is the most popular method for controlling behavior during dental procedures in children. The present study aimed to use a fidget spinner, kaleidoscope, and virtual reality as distraction techniques individually and observe the effects on the anxiety levels of children subjected to inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). MethodsIn this parallel-group randomized clinical trial, 102 children aged 6–9 years requiring IANB for various dental treatments were screened and 60 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly assigned into four groups of 15 each; Group 1 fidget spinner (FS), Group 2 kaleidoscope, Group 3 virtual reality (VR) and Group 4 no distraction (Control). The child's self-reported anxiety levels using Venham's picture test (VPT); the pulse oximeter was used to measure physiological signs of oxygen saturation and pulse rate at three intervals i.e. before, during, and after the IANB procedure. The collected data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 21 software. Paired t-test and One way ANOVA were used to compare the VPT, oxygen saturation, and pulse rate values. FindingsGroups 1, 2, and 3 showed significantly lower mean VPT scores compared to Group 4. Groups 1 & 3 showed lower mean pulse rates and Group 2 showed comparable mean pulse rates to Group 4 respectively during the IANB procedure. Oxygen saturation levels remained non-significant between all the Groups (p > 0.05). InterpretationFidget spinner, kaleidoscope, and virtual reality seem to be effective distraction methods and can be recommended as effective approaches to help alleviate children's dental anxiety during IANB procedures.

Morphometric Analysis of Mandibular Foramen in Saudi Children Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Objectives:This study evaluated the position of the mandibular foramen (MF) with regard to the occlusal plane (OP) and the anterior border (AB) of the mandibular ramus (AB) in a sample of 7–12-year-old Saudi children using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Materials and Methods:In this descriptive, observational study, 155 CBCT scans were selected and analyzed for positional changes in the MF. Reconstructed panoramic and axial sections were used to measure the MF-OP and MF-AB distances, respectively, on both the right and left sides of the mandible. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc tests where applicable, at a significance level of P < 0.05.Results:The mean distance of MF from the AB of the ramus was 14.68 mm, with no significant differences between the genders (P > 0.05). The MF moved upward from a position below the OP to above it, according to age in both males and females, and the difference between the age groups was significant (P < 0.05). No significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean values of distances between the right and left sides of the mandible were seen.Conclusions:The location of the MF varies with respect to age and should be considered while administering inferior alveolar nerve block in children to achieve a more effective anesthesia.

DentalVibe® versus lignocaine hydrochloride 2% gel in pain reduction during inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

BackgroundInferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is the most common, painful, and anxiety-provoking procedure involving needle insertion for anesthetic solution deposition. DentalVibe® (DV) delivers vibration at a sustained frequency as a counter-stimulation to the site of injection, thereby alleviating pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of DV and lignocaine hydrochloride 2% gel (Lox 2% jelly) in pain reduction during IANB in children.MethodsA split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed with a sample of 60 children (age, 6 to 12 years) requiring bilateral IANB for various dental procedures; DV was used while administering IANB and Lox 2% jelly was used as the topical anesthetic before administering IANB at subsequent appointments. During both appointments, pain perception was measured using the sound, eye, motor (SEM) scale and Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale (WBFPRS); oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate were measured using a pulse oximeter before, during, and after the IANB procedure. The obtained values were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Wilcoxon test was used for intergroup comparison, and Friedman test, for intragroup comparison of measured variables at different treatment phases.ResultsThe medians and interquartile ranges of the WBFPRS scores recorded during the IANB procedure for DV and Lox 2% jelly were 2 (2–4) and 2 (0–2), respectively (P < 0.05). The SEM scale scores, mean SpO2, and pulse rate did not show any significant differences during the IANB procedure between both treatments.ConclusionBoth DV and Lox 2% jelly were found to be effective in pain reduction during IANB in children.

Dexmedetomidine during suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for pediatric cleft palate repair, randomized double-blind controlled study.

BackgroundFor children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks.MethodsEighty patients of 1–5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side).ResultsThe modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P < 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8–12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects.ConclusionsAddition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.