Comparison of 0.2% ropivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine for axillary brachial plexus blocks in paediatric hand surgery.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to compare the use of ropivacaine 0.2% with bupivacaine 0.25% for axillary brachial plexus block in children undergoing hand surgery.


METHODS
In a double-blind, randomized study, 35 children undergoing hand surgery received axillary brachial plexus blocks with 0.5 ml.kg-1 of either 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine. Pain scores were noted at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery. The time to first dose of codeine phosphate and the total doses of all analgesics given were recorded.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between the two groups in pain scores, the time to first dose of codeine phosphate or in analgesic requirements in the first 24 h.


CONCLUSIONS
Ropivacaine 0.2% is as effective as bupivacaine 0.25% for axillary brachial plexus blocks in children undergoing hand surgery.
Thornton
K L
KL
Department of Anaesthesia, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay, UK.
Sacks
M D
MD
Hall
R
R
Bingham
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000577:Amides; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001917:Brachial Plexus; D002045:Bupivacaine; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003061:Codeine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D000077212:Ropivacaine
D000577:Amides; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D003061:Codeine; D002045:Bupivacaine