Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in ultrasound ‐guided axillary brachial plexus block

Summary What is known and objectiveThe aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia of ultrasound‐guided axillary brachial plexus block. MethodsThirty‐seven ASA physical status I‐II patients with elective forearm and hand surgery under ultrasound‐guided axillary brachial plexus block were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in ropivacaine‐dexmedetomidine group (group RD, n = 19) received 15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 100 μg (1 mL) dexmedetomidine, and patients in ropivacaine group (group R, n = 18) received 15 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine with 1 mL of normal saline. Onset time and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia were assessed. Results and discussionDuration of sensory block (U‐value = 35, P < .001), duration of motor block (P = .001) and duration of analgesia (P < .001) were extended in group RD compared to group R. Onset time of sensory block in group RD was significantly faster than in group R (U‐value = 65.5, P = .001). Onset time of motor block showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (U‐value = 116.5, P = .096). Adverse reactions were reported only in group RD (bradycardia in 2 and hypotension in 3 patients). What is new and conclusionOur study indicated that dexmedetomidine 100 μg as adjuvant on ultrasound‐guided axillary plexus block significantly prolonged ...
Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research