Comparison of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine Versus Levobupivacaine (Plain)

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Comparison of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine Versus Levobupivacaine (Plain)

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Context: Adjuncts to local anesthetics for brachial plexus block may enhance the quality and duration of analgesia. Dexmedetomidine, an α-2 adrenergic agonist is known to produce anti-nociception and enhance the effect of local anesthetics in various peripheral nerve blocks. Aims: To evaluate the effects of the addition of Dexmedetomidine (1µ/Kg) to Levobupivacaine (0.5%) for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb surgeries. Study Design: A prospective, randomized double-blinded study. Methods: The patients included in the study were randomized into two equal groups. Patients in Group L (n = 30) were administered 29 ml of 0.5% of Levobupivacaine and 1ml of normal saline and Group LD (n = 30) were given 29 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine (1µ/Kg). The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, Hemodynamic variables, Visual Analog Score (VAS), Patient Satisfaction Score (PSS) were recorded for 24 hours postoperatively. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test and Student’s unpaired t-test. Results: Onset of sensory block and motor block in Group LD was (5.30 ± 1.02 min) and (7.87 ± 1.33 min), whereas in Group L (10.83 ± 1.05 min) and (13.87 ± 1.33 min) respectively. Duration of sensory block and motor block in Group LD was (11.42 ± 0.6 hrs) and (10.10 ± 0.68 hrs), whereas in Group L (8.01 ± 0.64 hrs) and (6.69 ± 0.65 hrs) respectively. Mean Pulse rate and mean Blood Pressure was lower in Group LD (p < 0.05). VAS was lower in Group LD (p < 0.05). PSS was higher in Group LD (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (1 /kg) in combination with Levobupivacaine (0.5%) has early onset of sensory and motor block and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block with minimal hemodynamic variables.

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