European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: When used in conjunction with bupivacaine to block the supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP), dexamethasone prolongs the motor and sensory blockade. The effect of dexamethasone (8 mg) when combined with levobupivacaine, on the other hand, has not been well investigated.
Aim: To determine the role of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in ultrasound guided SCBP block.
Materials and methods: Comparison of efficacy of levobupivacaine and levobupivacaine with dexamethasone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block was undertaken to compare duration of analgesia, requirement of rescue analgesics and the onset and duration of sensory and motor block among 2 groups. Patients in age group 18 to 60 years belonging to either sex of ASA class 1 or 2 posted for upper limb surgeries were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. Group S: 25 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine + 2ml Normal Saline Group D: 25 ml of 0.5%Ropivacaine + 2ml (8mg) Dexamethasone.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in demographic data, duration of surgery, and hemodynamic parameters between the study groups. There was statistically highly significant difference in between the groups in terms of onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia (time to first rescue analgesia) and total number of rescue analgesics used.
Conclusion: Addition of dexamethasone to 0.5% levobupivacaine shortens the onset of sensory and motor block and increases the duration of sensory and motor block as well duration of analgesia in comparison to levobupivacaine alone in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for upper limb surgeries.