Comparison of Dexamethasone versus Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Local Anesthetic Drug in USG Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

USG Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present research was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of adding 8 mg dexamethasone and 50 mcg dexmedetomidine in 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine in USG guided axillary brachial plexus block in adult subjects. Subjects and Methods: A randomized clinical research was performed in 60 subjects aged between 18 to 70 years of either gender having ASA grade I or II undergoing various scheduled upper limb surgeries. USG guided brachial plexus block was given. subjects in group A received 20ml bupivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone 2ml (8 mg) while those in group B received 20ml bupivacaine 0.5% and dexmedetomidine 0.5ml (50mcg) +1.5 ml NS. Parameters observed were; onset of motor and sensory blockade; duration of motor and sensory blockade; Times of 1st rescue analgesia, cardiorespiratory effects and adverse effects. Post operatively subjects were evaluated by utilizing a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: There was no significant dissimilarity among the onset of     motor and sensory blockade between the two groups. The length of motor block was significantly more in Group A. The duration of sensory block was significantly longer in Group A. The time for first analgesic prerequisite in Group A was 19.18 0.87 hrs and in Group B was 13.03 0.80 hrs. No complications were noted in either of the subjects among all the two groups. Conclusion: Adding of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block considerably extends the duration of sensory and motor block and duration of postoperative analgesia. Duration of motor block, sensory block and post operative analgesia is significantly extends in dexamethasone group compared to dexmedetomidine.