ABSTRACT

Background: There is extreme shortage of data regarding effects and safety profile of use of intrathecal dexmedetomidine as an adjunctive agents in Pakistani adult women undergoing caesarian section.

Aims: To observe the outcome of dexmedetomidine utilization in spinal anesthesia as an adjunctive agent, its side effect depiction, and to find the most efficacious and safe dose of intrathecal dexmedetomidine.

Methodology: A total of 135 patients were included in this randomized, prospective study by isolating 45 patients in each of three groups. Each of two study groups were given intrathecal dexmedetomidine 10μg in group D-10 and 15μg in D-15 along 12mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine and bupivacaine only in control group. We recorded onset and regression of sensory and motor blockade, any untoward effect and hemodynamic variability mean arterial BP

Results: Both the study groups [D-10 and D-15] revealed significant results(p<0.05) in onset and regression of sensory and motor blockade as compared to control group[bupivacaine only]. By addition of adjuncts [dexmedetomidine] in spinal anesthesia, resulted in delayed administration and lower dose of postoperative analgesia and less intraoperative hemodynamic instability and postoperative side effects.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjunctive agent in intrathecal route is a safer and efficacious agent without producing significant side effects. 10 microgram dexmedetomidine is a more appropriate dose than 15 microgram showing comparable efficiency and low untoward effects.

Keywords: Intrathecal anesthesia, dexmedetomidine, bupivacaine