A STUDY ON EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CLONIDINE AS AN ADJUNCT TO BUPIVACAINE IN CAUDAL BLOCK IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: The use of clonidine, as additives to bupivacaine provides pain relief for longer duration than bupivacaine alone. This study was planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of clonidine as an adjunct to bupivacaine in caudal block in paediatric patients.

Methodology: This was randomized controlled trial where study was done in three groups. In Group : A: was Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25% {0.75ml/kg}, Group : B: Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25% {0.75ml/kg}+ inj. clonidine 1µg/kg and Group : C: Inj. Bupivacaine 0.25% {0.75ml/kg}+inj. clonidine 2µg/kg was given.

Results: There was a statistically significant prolongation in the duration of analgesia in Group B (p < 0.05) and Group C (p <0.05) when compared with Group A. None of the patients had hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression or urinary retention in all the three groups.

Conclusions: clonidine (1-2 µg/kg) is safe and effective adjuvant in caudal block for pediatric lower limb and lower abdominal surgery.