Evaluation of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in comparison to dexamethasone in supraclavicular block

Background: There are many adjuvants imparting great efficacy and safety to the anaesthetic process. Drugs like steroid, alpha-2 agonist, opioid, epinephrine, midazolam, and naloxone are certain adjuvants used for potentiating block. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvant to ropivacaine on various postoperative parameters. Methods: All the patients were scheduled for elective surgery for forearm and hand under USG guided supraclavicular block. The randomisation was achieved by using block randomisation technique. The patients were randomly divided in to two groups. Group DM were received 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine with 100 µg one ml dexmedetomidine and group DS were received 15 ml of 0.5% of ropivacaine with 8 mg dexamethasone. Drug solution was prepared by same individual and was not part of study. Parameters observed were onset of motor block, onset of sensory block, duration of sensory block, duration of motor block. Results: The mean duration of analgesia was significantly prolong in dexmedetomidine (group DM) than dexamethasone group (DS) (1142.47±28.32 min vs 1045.95±78.55 min). Time for first rescue analgesic requirement was significantly prolong in dexmedetomidine (group DM) than dexamethasone group (DS) (17.44±2.41 hour vs 13.54±1.98 hours). Conclusions: The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly prolonged in Group DM as compared to Group DS. We have observed that the mean duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in dexmedetomidine than dexamethasone group. Time for first rescue analgesic requirement was significantly prolonged in dexmedetomidine than dexamethasone group. There was no difference in adverse drug reaction between two groups.