[Spinal anesthesia in children: comparative study of hyperbaric bupivacaine with or without clonidine].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of intrathecal clonidine in children.


METHODS
A prospective randomised study.


METHODS
45 children, 6 to 15 years old, were randomised in two groups; receiving either 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine or 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine added to clonidine 2 micrograms.kg-1. We assessed quality and length of motor and sensory blocks and side effects of clonidine: hypotension, bradycardia and sedation.


RESULTS
Clonidine was associated with prolongation of motor block. 190 +/- 42 min vs 150 +/- 35 min (p < 0.01), but the difference was not significant. Postoperative analgesia was longer in clonidine group, 490 +/- 35 min vs 200 +/- 50 min (mean +/- SD), p < 0.001. Clonidine was associated with higher incidence of hypotension 54 vs 36% and bradycardia 30 vs 0%.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that intrathecal clonidine 2 micrograms.kg-1 is associated with extending duration of postoperative analgesia but with moderate side effects.
Kaabachi
O
O
Service d'orthopédie, hôpital d'enfants de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisie. olfa.kaabachi@rns.tn
Ben Rajeb
A
A
Mebazaa
M
M
Safi
H
H
Jelel
C
C
Ben Ghachem
M
M
Ben Ammar
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003000:Clonidine / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D003000:Clonidine; D002045:Bupivacaine