Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jun 2017
Review Meta AnalysisPerineural Dexmedetomidine Is More Effective Than Clonidine When Added to Local Anesthetic for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Clonidine, an α-2 agonist, has long been used as a local anesthetic adjunct with proven efficacy to prolong peripheral nerve block duration. Dexmedetomidine, a newer α-2 agonist, has a more favorable pharmacodynamic and safety profile; however, data comparing its efficacy as an adjunct to that of clonidine are inconsistent. We sought to compare the clinical efficacy of these 2 α-2 agonists by examining their effects on peripheral nerve block characteristics for upper extremity surgery. ⋯ Compared with clonidine as a local anesthetic adjunct for single-injection SCB, perineural dexmedetomidine enhances sensory, motor, and analgesic block characteristics. These benefits should be weighed against the increased risk of transient bradycardia.