Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Dexamethasone as Adjuvants in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Introduction Currently, peripheral nerve block has shown immense potential with effective patient satisfaction. In the event of upper limb surgeries, the supraclavicular brachial plexus approach under ultrasound guidance renders quick and dense anesthesia. In addition, the clinical utility of adjuvants with local anesthetics elicits a good quality of nerve block with improved duration and inset. So the aim of the present study was to compare the block characteristics of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone during supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Materials and methods The present study was conducted on 100 patients aged 20-60 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-I and ASA-II classification who were scheduled for upper limb surgeries. These patients were divided equally into two groups, namely group D (who received 20mL of 0.5% bupivacaine + 50 mcg (0.5mL) of dexmedetomidine +1.5mL normal saline) and group X (who received 20mL of 0.5% bupivacaine +8mg of dexamethasone), ensuring a total volume of 22mL administered to both groups. The time of onset and duration of the sensory and motor blocks, as well as the quality of intraoperative analgesia, were assessed. Results The addition of dexmedetomidine (50mcg) and dexamethasone (8mg) to 0.5% bupivacaine ensured a faster onset and prolonged duration of the sensory and motor blocks. Additionally, dexmedetomidine resulted in more prolonged postoperative analgesia, a lower mean visual analog scale score in the first 24 hours, and lesser opioid consumption in 24 hours than dexamethasone. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is superior to dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine during supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries.

Keywords: bupivacaine; dexamethasone; dexmedetomidine; supraclavicular brachial plexus block; ultrasound guidance; upper limb surgeries..