A Clinical Comparision between Ropivacaine-Clonidine Combination and Ropivacaine (Plain) in Brachial Plexus Block by Supraclavicular Approach

Brachial Plexus Block by Supraclavicular Approach

Abstract

Background: Ropivacaine is a long-acting amide local anaesthetic agent and first produced as a pure enantiomer. It produces effects similar to other local anaesthetics via reversible inhibition of sodium ion influx in nerve fibres. Ropivacaine is less lipophilic than bupivacaine and is less likely to penetrate large myelinated motor fibres, resulting in a relatively reduced motor blockade. Thus, ropivacaine has a greater degree of motor sensory differentiation, which could be useful when motor blockade is undesirable. The reduced lipophilicity is also associated with decreased potential for central nervous system toxicity and cardiotoxicity. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing upper limb surgeries aged between 18 to 55 years under supraclavicular block and informed written consent was taken. Result values were recorded using a preset proforma. Results: The mean duration of motor block in group RC was 10.10+/- 0.68 hours and the group R was 6.69+/- 0.65 hours. The statistical analysis by students unpaired t? test showed that the difference between duration of motor block in group RC was significantly longer when compared to group R (P < 0.001).  Conclusion: The addition of Clonidine (150g) as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine (0.75%) has faster onset of sensory and motor block and longer duration of sensory and motor block.