Objective: Assessing the effectiveness of addition of dexamethasone to bupivacaine (0.5 %) in comparison to bupivacaine (0.5 %) alone for supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted at RMMCH, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, from April 2016 to August 2017 on forty ASA I and II patients posted for upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block and were randomly divided into 2 groups of 20 each. Group I received 28 ml of 0.5 % bupivacaine with 2 ml of distilled water, while group II received 28 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with 2 ml (8mg) of dexamethasone. Haemodynamic parameters and neuromuscular blockade were noted and compared using unpaired students t- test with significance at p < 0.05.  

Results:  Group II subjects had a significantly quicker onset of sensory and motor block in comparison to group II subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Onset of brachial plexus block was quickened by adding dexamethasone (8mg) to bupivacaine (0.5%).

Keywords: Supraclavicular block, Bupivacaine, Dexamethasone.

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Dr A.V.Aswin

Post Graduate Student, Dept of Anaesthesia,

Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

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