Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block: a Randomised Double-blind Prospective Study

Objectives: Alpha-2-receptor agonist has been used as an additive to local anaesthetics for various regional anaesthetic techniques. We compared clonidine and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic agent in ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block with respect to hemodynamic parameters, onset and duration of sensory, motor block and duration of analgesia. Methods: Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block was performed in 60 ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under axillary brachial plexus block, were divided into two equal groups in a randomized, double blinded fashion. Group C received clonidine 1 μg/kg and Group D received dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg added to levobupivacaine 0.5% (36 cc).Hemodynamic parameters,onset and duration of sensory, motor block and duration of analgesia studied in both the groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in hemodynamic parameters, onset time of sensory and motor block in both the study groups. Duration of sensory block, motor block and post operative analgesia was significantly longer in dexmedetomidine group comapared to clonidine group. In both the groups no side-effects (nausea, vomiting, dry mouth) were reported during the first 24 h in the post-operative period. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5% levobupivacaine is more effective in prolonging the duration of sensory block, motor block and post operative analgesia compared to clonidine. Author Affiliations: 1 Department of Anesthesiology, S N Medical college,Bagalkot,Karnataka,India. 2 Department of Anesthesiology, S N Medical college, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.