Clonidine prolongs the effect of ropivacaine for axillary brachial plexus blockade

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of adding clonidine to ropivacaine, for axillary brachial plexus blockade, on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia. Methods: In a prospective randomised double blind placebo controlled study axillary brachial plexus blockade was performed in 50 patients using 40 mi ropivacaine 0.75 %. Group (A) had 150 mu g clonidine and Group (B) I mi normal saline added to the local anesthetic. Sensory function was tested using pinprick (sharp sensation, blunt sensation or no sensation) and temperature with an ice cube compared with the opposite arm, (cold/not cold). Motor function was assessed using a modified Bromage scale. Postoperative analgesia was standardised. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of analgesia, postoperative pain score, and analgesic requirement were compared. Results: The clonidine patients showed an increase in duration of sensory loss from 489 min to 628 min with a mean difference of 138 min (95% confidence interval of 90 to 187 min), motor blockade from 552 min to 721 min with a mean difference of 170 min (95% confidence interval of 117 to 222 min), and analgesia from 587 min to 828 min with mean difference of 241 min (95% confidence interval of 188 to 294 min). There was no difference in onset time. No side effects were noted. Conclusion: The addition of 150 mu g of clonidine to ropivacaine, for brachial plexus blockade, prolongs motor and sensory block and analgesia, without an increased incidence of side effects.