Dexamethasone as Adjuvant with 0.5% Levobupivacaine for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das; Dr. Rita Haldar (Dasgupta)

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Dexamethasone as Adjuvant with 0.5% Levobupivacaine for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das, Dr. Rita Haldar Dasgupta

Abstract :

Objectives: To compare the effect of levobupivacaine with and without dexamethasone on the characteristics, efficacy and duration of analgesia in supraclavicular achial plexus block. Methodology: 100 patients of either sex, aged between 18–60 years posted for elective surgery of forearm and hand under supraclavicular achial plexus block were divided into two groups – Group C (control group) and group DS (dexamethasone group). Group C (n=50) received 30 ml of 0.5% isobaric Levobupivacaine with 2 ml of isotonic normal saline and Group DS (n=50) received 30 ml of 0.5% isobaric Levobupivacaine with 2 ml of dexamethasone (8mg) for supraclavicular achial plexus block. Results: The mean onset time of sensory and motor blocks were faster in Group DS than control group. Mean duration of analgesia, sensory and motor block in Group DS were prolonged compared to Group C. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate variation in two study groups were statistically not significant at any point of study. Conclusion: Dexamethasone when added to levobupivacaine for achial plexus block, is superior to levobupivacaine alone.