Der Anaesthesist
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
[Dose-response relationship of clonidine with epidural administration of ropivacaine in orthopedic procedures of the lower extremities].
The aim of this study was to investigate preliminarydose-range effects of clonidine added to ropivacaine for epidural analgesia in elective orthopedic surgery of the lower limbs with doses, causing a minimum of cardiovascular side effects. ⋯ We conclude that 150 micrograms clonidine significantly enhances the duration of analgesia of epidurally administered ropivacaine in a mean of 171 mg. This time interval is longer than the one with 200 mg ropivacaine alone. But, there are side effects in form of decrease of arterial pressure. Cardiovascular monitoring seems to be essential. Because of the enhanced analgesia duration, the time interval for reloading epidural anaesthesia are increased.