Ultrasound-Guided Subclavian Perivascular Brachial Plexus Block Using 0.5% Bupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guidance has dramatically improved the accuracy of nerve localization, and various adjuvants prolong the block and extend analgesia.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine added to 0.5% bupivacaine on the onset and duration of motor and sensory blockade and the duration of analgesia.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This is a prospective, randomized double-blind, study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty adult patients aged 20-60 years of either sex undergoing orthopedic procedures on the forearm were randomly allocated into two groups of thirty each: Group BS (bupivacaine + saline) and Group BD (bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine). All patients were administered subclavian perivascular brachial plexus block under ultrasound guidance. Group BS: Patients in this group were administered 20-mL 0.5% bupivacaine + 0.75-mL saline. Group BD: Patients in this group were administered 20-mL 0.5% bupivacaine + 0.75-mL dexmedetomidine (75 μg).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS software Version 21.0. Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Independent sample -test was used for comparisons between the two groups. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Demographic data and surgical characteristics were similar in both groups. The onset times for sensory and motor blocks were statistically significantly shorter in Group BD compared to Group BS ( < 0.01), whereas the duration of blocks and analgesia were statistically significantly longer ( < 0.01) in Group BD.

CONCLUSION

The addition of dexmedetomidine to 0.5% bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block shortens the onset time and prolongs both the duration of the block and analgesia.