To Compare the Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgery

Background and Aim: Alpha-2 agonists as adjuvant to local anaesthetic agents for PNB enhance the quality and duration of analgesia. Aim of this prospective, double blind, randomised placebo controlled study was to compare the affect addition of Dexmedetomidine and clonidine to Ropivacaine with respect to onset, peak, and duration of sensory-motor block and duration of analgesia in Supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and methods: Ninety ASA grade I or II patients of either sex, aged 18-60 years age scheduled for elective upper limb surgery were equally divided in three groups (n=30).Group R received 0.75% Ropivacaine 30 ml + 1ml NS, Group RC received 0.75% Ropivacaine 30ml +1µgm/kg of clonidine, Group RD received 0.75% Ropivacaine 30ml + 1µgm/kg of Dexmedetomidine in Supraclavicular plexus block by using nerve locator. Results: Onset (sensory=7.6± 1.56, 6.13± 1.59, 4.13±1.35, in motor 10.23± 1.79, 9.03± 2.31, 6.50± 1.57 respectively), peak(sensory 17.33±2.89, 13.66±3.16, 10.63 ±2.89, in motor 21.76±2.56, 18.46±3.0, 15.66±3.20 respectively) and duration(sensory 239.83±39.96, 322.0±58.21, 375.0±53.69, in motor 206.0±40.71, 285.0±56.30, 332.50±57.84 respectively) of sensorimotor block and duration of analgesia (279.0±43.67, 357.16±55.85, 412.16±50.06 respectively)were prolonged in Dexmedetomidine group as compared to other both group. VAS and sedation score was better in dexmedetomidine group than clonidine group. Hemodynamic stability was comparable in all three groups and no complications were seen in any of the group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) is better than clonidine as adjuvant to 0.75% Ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.