Dexmedetomidine v/s clonidine as adjuvants to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Regional nerve blocks with local anaesthetics provide intra operative anaesthesia as well as postoperative analgesia. Certain drugs like opioids, alpha2 adrenergic agonist, sodium bicarbonate, adrenaline,  etc. are used as  an adjuvant to local anesthetics. This enchances the analgesic efficacy, reduces the requirement of the local anaesthetics, improves the onset and duration of analgesia.  Our study has been undertaken to compare the onset time, duration and analgesic efficacy of clonidine with dexmedetomidine when added as adjuvant to bupivacaine (0.25%) for brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach. Methodology: 60 patients aged 18-65 years belonging to ASA PS –I &II of both sexes undergoing elective upperlimb surgeries under Brachialplexus block were included in our study.   Patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were allotted into 2 groups of 40 each. Group 1: Bupivacaine 0.25% (35 cc) + clonidine 1 mcg/kg. Group 2: Bupivacaine 0.25% (35 cc) +dexmedetomidine 1mcg/kg. Results The mean time for onset of sensory block in group A was (20.23 ±1.104) mins and that observed in group B was (14.83±1.744) mins.  The mean time for onset of motor block in group A was (18.43 ±1.135) mins and (12.67±1.539) mins in group B.