European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Brachial plexus block is a safe, effective, low cost anaesthesia with good postoperative analgesia. Adjuvants to local anaesthetics may enhance the quality and duration of analgesia. The aim of the study was to study the efficacy of combination of 0.25% bupivacaine and dexmedetomodine versus 0.25% bupivacaine alone in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach.  
Methods: This is a prospective double blind study conducted on sixty patients of ASA1 and ASA 2 posted for upper limb surgeries, randomized in double blind fashion into two groups. Group A (N-30) received 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with 0.5ml of distilled water and group B (N-30) received 0.5ml dexmedetomidine (50 µg) with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine as supraclavicular brachial plexus block with help of nerve stimulator. Onset and recovery time of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, sedation scores, quality of block and side effects compared in both groups.
Results: Baseline characteristics were well matched in both groups. Intraoperative hemodynamic recording was done at 15 min time intervals from administration of the drugs. There was reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure 30 mins onwards in both groups ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in onset of sensory and motor block.
Conclusion: This double blind Randomized Controlled study showing the combination of dexmedetomidine 50 µg with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is better than 0.5ml of distilled water with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine in duration of sensory and motor block, with better sedation and quality of analgesia with good safety profile in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach