A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LOW DOSE INTRATHECAL DEXMEDETOMIDINE AND CLONIDINE AS ADJUVANT TO BUPIVACAINE ON CHARACTERISTICS OF SPINAL BLOCK

Background: To evaluate the effect of low dose intrathecal dexmedetomidine and clonidine as adjuvant to bupivacaine on characteristics of spinal block . A total of 60 patients , scheduled for lower abdominal , lower limb and gynaecological procedures were selected to participate in this prospective , randomised double blind study . After injecting the drug time were noted (T0) and the patient were turned to supine position . Following observation were recorded :Onset of time of sensory block(T1) ,Level of sensory block(LMAX), Time to achieve maximum sensory block level(T3), Onset of motor block(T2) , Peak level of motor blockade(T4) were assessed by using Bromage score . Results: The results of outcome variables were suggestive of improved effect of addition of clonidine or dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to 0.5 % Bupivacaine (heavy) on Quality of blockade Conclusions: Improved quality of block in dexmedetomidine group compared to clonidine can be applicable in improving the duration of block in surgical cases requiring prolonged block.