Role of Dexamethasone In Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Background-Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a popular and widely employed regional nerve block technique. Aims-To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone added to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods-60 adult patients of either sex, aged 18 – 60 years,ASA physical status I or II ,posted for elective orthopedic surgeries of elbow, forearm and hand under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of the two groups -group A and group B . Group A (n=30) –received 38 mL 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 mL dexamethasone (8 mg). Group B (n=30) –received 38 mL 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 mL 0.9% normal saline. Statistics: Using software package SPSS16 for Windows statistical analysis done. Numerical variables compared by Independent samples t-test. Categorical variables compared between groups by Chi-square test. All analysis has been two tailed and p < 0.05 has been taken to be statistically significant. Results: No statistically significant difference between the groups in respect to patients' age, height, weight, duration of surgery (Independent samples t-test; p >0.05). Onset times of sensory and motor block were similar in the two groups. Duration of sensory(1091.11± 107.42 vs 605.37 ± 58.60) and motor blockade (846.67 ± 102.09 vs 544.07 ± 55.40)were significantly longer in the group A (dexamethasone group) than in the group B (control group). less number of diclofenac sodium injection required in group A. Conclusion: We conclude that addition of 8 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine 0.25% solution in supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade, reduces the requirement of rescue analgesic in postoperative period but has no effect on the onset time of sensory and motor blockade.