A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLINDED, CONTROLLED STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE 50µg AND DEXAMETHASONE 8mg AS AN ADJUVANT TO ROPIVACAINE 0.5% FOR SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK IN ELECTIVE UPPER LIMB SURGERIES.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brachial Plexus Blocks are the popular choice of anaesthesia technique as a part of day care surgeries for upper limb. In this study, efficacy of non opioid adjuvants Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine has been evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 90 ASA class I and II patients undergoing elective upper limb surgeries were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each. Group C received 0.5% Ropivacaine 28ml with 2ml normal saline, Group DX received 0.5% Ropivacaine 28ml with 8mg Dexamethasone and Group DM received 0.5% Ropivacaine 28ml with Dexmedetomidine 50µg. The primary objective was to know the sensory and motor block onset, total sensory and motor block duration, total duration of analgesia. Secondary parameters were mean arterial pressure, peripheral saturation and sedation score. Statistical methods were carried out through SPSS for Windows(version 16.0) RESULTS: The sensory and motor block onset was earlier in Group DM compared to Group C and Group DX, while it was later in Group DX compared to Group C. The mean TSBD, TMBD and TDA was longer in Group DX(746.66min, 677.83min, 800.16min) compared to Group C (361.33min, 303.66min, 411.16min)and Group DM(686.33min, 593.5 min, 701.83min). There was no significant change in MAP, SpO2 and sedation scores.