Investigating the Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Local Anesthesia in Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Therapeutic, level I.

Effective Dose of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine to Prolong the Analgesic Duration of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block

“…4 In agreement to these outcomes, in our study, the varying doses of IV DEX at 0.5, 1.0, and up to 2.0 μg/kg did not result in corresponding increase in the duration of motor blockade. However, it is limited to draw conclusion for the effect of IV DEX on the duration of motor blockade because of the potential influences of several confounding factors.…”

“…1,2 Among them, perineural dexmedetomidine (DEX) has recently gained increasing interest, and the concomitant injection with local anesthetics can rapidly establish block, prolong the duration of analgesia, and decrease postoperative opioid consumption. [3][4][5][6] Although perineural DEX is shown to improve both the quality and analgesic profile of ISBPB, 2,4 the drawbacks of this approach include hemodynamic alterations, delayed rehabilitation due to prolonged motor blockade, and particularly potential risks pertaining to the "off-label" use in the absence of US Food and Drug Administration approval. 6 Recent evidence suggests that intravenous (IV) DEX and perineural DEX similarly prolong the analgesic duration after ISBPB.…”

Comparative study of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as an adjunct to levobupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized control study

“…Recently, local anesthetic adjuvants like dexmedetomidine, clonidine and dexamethasone have been the subject of increasing interest as the potential to prolong blockade duration. [9][10][11] The combined use of a local anesthetic agent and adjuvants when, applied in a TAP block, may help to evolve an ideal protocol for pain control after abdominal surgery.…”

A year in review in Minerva Anestesiologica 2018

“…in this regard, Dexmedetomidine is recognized as one of the most effective adjuvants in many types of neural blocks. [76][77][78] in the January issue, Ma published a study by Xu et al who investigated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine, 0.5 mcg/kg, as an adjuvant to the local anesthetic mixture in transversus abdominis plane block and rectus sheath block; the addition was associated to decreased opioid demand and consumption. 79 in July, trifa et al reviewed and recommended dexmedetomidine use by caudal epidural administration in pediatric patients.…”