Comparison of Ropivacaine with Ropivacaine plus perineural Dexamethasone on block characteristics in Ultrasound guided Supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Dr.Prachi Sharma; Dr.Shobha Narang

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2019

Comparison of Ropivacaine with Ropivacaine plus perineural Dexamethasone on block characteristics in Ultrasound guided Supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Dr. Prachi Sharma, Dr. Shobha Narang

Abstract :

Background– The aim of this study was to compare the effects on block characteristics of 0.5% Ropivacaine with 0.5% Ropivacaine and Dexamethasone in ultrasound guided Supraclavicular achial plexus block. Material and Methods– A prospective, double–blind, randomized, comparative study was conducted in128 ASA I–II patients for surgeries of the elbow, forearm and hand, who were randomly assigned to receive 0.5% Ropivacaine or 0.5% Ropivacaine with 8mg Dexamethasone in supraclavicular achial block using ultrasound and PNS guidance. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia; onset of sensory and motor block, duration of motor block, complications were secondary outcomes. Result– The duration of analgesia and motor blockade were significantly prolonged in dexamethasone group. The mean time to onset of sensory and motor blocks were significantly shortened. The time to complete sensory block was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion– Dexamethasone as an adjuvant hastens the onset and prolongs the duration of block significantly when added to Ropivacaine, without untoward effects. However the effect on time to complete sensory block are unsubstantial