The Effect of Adding Sufentanil to 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine on Duration of Brachial Plexus Blockade in Chronic Opium Abusers: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The Effect of Different Doses of Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine Plus Sufentanil in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections

Background

Decreasing side effects and improving the quality of block in caesarean sections by appropriate dosage of local anesthetics and adjuvants could play an important role in the safe management of cesarean section. The present study aimed at comparing the effects of 3 different doses of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine injected with a fixed dose of sufentanil in cesarean sections.

Methods

In a double- blind randomized clinical trial, 105 candidates of elective cesarean section were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 8, 9, and 10 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine plus sufentanil 2.5 µg. The maximum level of sensory block, the intensity of motor block, and vital signs were measured at regular intervals. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were also recorded.

Results

No significant difference was found between the maximum level of sensory block and the intensity of motor block in 3 groups. The incidences of hypotension and bradycardia as well as administration of atropine and ephedrine were comparable among the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

According to similar effects of different doses of bupivacaine, administration of lower doses of bupivacaine (8mg) is more reasonable for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

A clinical comparison between 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine with dexamethasone 8 mg combination in brachial plexus block by the supraclavicular approach

Background and Aims:

Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block prolongs motor and sensory blockade. However, the effect of dexamethasone (8 mg) when added to levobupivacaine has not been well studied. This study was conducted to find out analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant to levobupivacaine in SCBP block.

Methods:

Ultrasound- guided SCBP block was given to sixty patients, randomly assigned into two groups. Group S (thirty patients) received 2 mL normal saline with 25 mL levobupivacaine (0.5%) and Group D (thirty patients) received 2 mL of dexamethasone (8 mg) with 25 mL of levobupivacaine (0.5%), respectively. Time for the first rescue analgesia, number of rescue analgesics required in 24 h and different block characteristics was assessed. Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Time for request of the first rescue analgesia was 396.13 ± 109.42 min in Group S and 705.80 ± 121.46 min in Group D (P < 0.001). The requirement for rescue analgesics was more in Group S when compared to Group D. The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in Group D when compared to Group S. The mean duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer in Group D than Group S.

Conclusion:

The addition of dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in SCBP blockade prolonged time for first rescue analgesia and reduced the requirement of rescue analgesics with faster onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block.

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block With or Without Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant to 0.5% Levobupivacaine: A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

Brachial plexus block is an excellent method for attaining optimal operating conditions by producing complete muscular relaxation, maintaining stable intraoperative haemodynamics and the associated sympathetic block. In addition, they provide extended postoperative analgesia with minimal side effects. Different adjuvants have been described in literature to hasten the onset and prolong the duration of block. The present study was conducted to study the effect of adding dexamethasone to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

AIM

To observe the effect of dexamethasone on onset and duration of anaesthesia, when used as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 patients in the age group of 18-65 years belonging to ASA physical status I or II were included in the study. They are randomly allocated in two groups and each group included 30 patients. In group 1, patients received 30ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine with 2ml of isotonic sodium chloride. In group 2 patients received 8mg (2ml) dexamethasone in addition to 30ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine.

RESULTS

The results showed that the onset of sensory and motor block were faster in group 2(p<0.05). The duration of sensory and motor block were significantly longer in group 2 (p<0.05). VAS score at 12 hours were significantly lower in group 2 (p<0.05). None of the patients had bradycardia, hypotension or any other side effects.

CONCLUSION

Dexamethasone added to levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block reduces the time to onset of sensory and motor blockage and prolongs the duration of analgesia.