COMPARISON OF THE ONSET OF SENSORY BLOCK USING LIDOCAINE 1.5% WITH ADRENALINE OR LIDOCAINE 1.5% WITH ADRENALINE AND DEXAMETHASONE IN ULTRASOUND GUIDED AXILLARY NERVE BLOCK FOR BELOW ELBOW SURGERIES

Abstract

The aim: To demonstrate the onset of dexamethasone when added to lidocaine in ultrasound regional axillary brachial block. Materials and methods: 30 patients participated in this study in Al-wasity hospital from June 1st to December 1st 2019; all were of ASA I-II type, aged 18-65 years old. All patients were scheduled for upper limb below elbow surgery with peripheral nerve block. They were divided randomly in to 2 groups: Group A: received 20 ml of lidocaine 1.5% with adrenaline 1:200000; Group 2 : received 20 ml of lidocaine with adrenaline and dexamethasone 8 mg. There was no significant differences among the groups regarding the change in pulse rate, MAP and Oxygen saturation. The group B was faster than group A (p value < 0.001) in both the time of cold sensory block onset and pinprick sensory block onset at all dermatome (C5,C6,C7,C8,T1). Results: A variety of adjuvants have been used with peripheral nerve block to decrease the onset time, improve block quality, and prolong analgesia. Steroids have been shown to be beneficial in improving block onset. Conclusions: Adding dexamethasone to lidocaine enhanced the onset time of the block with no hemodynamic effect.