Randomized Comparison of Three Doses of Perineural Dexmedetomidine Added to Local Anesthetics for Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating three different doses of perineural dexmedetomidine—0.67 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, and 1.33 mcg/kg—as added medicines to local anesthetics for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks in patients undergoing upper extremity surgery at or below the elbow. The study aims to see if higher doses provide longer motor block durations, which is the main measure of the drug's effect, since pain medication and surgical trauma can influence other durations like sensory and analgesic effects. In this study, 69 patients will receive ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks with a standard local anesthetic mix including lidocaine, bupivacaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each receiving a different dose of perineural dexmedetomidine added to the anesthetic solution: 0.67 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, or 1.33 mcg/kg. The procedure is done before surgery with careful monitoring, and the study is blinded so patients and assessors do not know which dose is given. Participants will record the time when their motor function returns after the nerve block, and data will be collected either in person or by phone on the first day after surgery. The researchers will also assess various secondary outcomes such as sensory block duration, pain intensity, block onset, and possible side effects like respiratory depression or nerve issues. The study follows patients for up to 7 days after surgery to monitor safety and effectiveness of the different doses.

A Randomized Comparison Between 0.67 mcg/kg, 1 mcg/kg, and 1.33 mcg/kg of Perineural Dexmedetomidine for Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block