European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE AS AN ADJUVANT WITH ROPIVACAINE IN SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK IN UPPER LIMB SURGERIES

Dr. Jani Sweta Jayant*, Dr. Darshana Dhedhi, Dr. Seema Gandhi, Dr. Monal Ramani and Dr. S. K. Shah

ABSTRACT

Background: Dexamethasone has been found to prolong duration in animals and human studies. We used dexamethasone along with ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Aims: We aimed at assessing the effect of Dexamethasone as an adjuvant with ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: Sixty ASA grade I and II patients, 18-60 years old, scheduled for upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block, were included in this prospective study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups, Group A which received ropivacaine 0.5% 30 ml+2ml NS and Group B which received ropivacaine 0.5% 30 ml+8 mg Dexamethasone. Onset and recovery time of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia and quality of block were studied in both groups. Results: Dexamethasone provides early onset of sensory and motor block, prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block, prolongs effective analgesia when added to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Keywords: Dexamethasone, ropivacaine, supraclavicular block.