ABSTRACT
To compare onset and duration of analgesia and to study side effects of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in caudal block. 90 paediatric patients belonging to ASA I&II were randomly allocated to receive caudal analgesia.30 patient in each group. Group B: Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25 %( 1 ml/kg) with 1 ml NS, Group C: Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25 %( 1 ml/kg) with clonidine 1μ/kg in 1 ml NS, Group D Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25 %( 1 ml/kg) with dexmedetomidine 1 μ/kg in 1 ml NS. All patients were observed for duration of analgesia, sedation score, heart rate and blood pressure. Postoperative pain was assessed by using FLACC pain score & sedation by sedation score. Patients were observed up to 24 hours. The duration of analgesia were significantly decreased in group C & D compared to group B. Haemodynamic stability is better with group C & D. Duration of postoperative analgesia was longer with group D compared to group C & B. Bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in caudal analgesia has longer duration of postoperative analgesia and better hemodynamic stability compared to bupivacaine with clonidine or bupivacaine alone. It is useful as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia or as a sole technique with less side effects and high success rate.
Key words: Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine, Caudal analgesia, Bupivacaine, Paediatric patients.