[Synergistic effect between dexmedetomidine and 0.75% ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia].
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics of epidural anesthesia performed with 0.75% ropivacaine associated with dexmedetomidine.


METHODS
Forty patients scheduled for hernia repair or varicose vein surgeries under epidural anesthesia participated in this study. They were assigned to: Control Group (n = 20), 0.75% ropivacaine, 20 ml (150 mg); and Dexmedetomidine Group (n = 20), 0.75% ropivacaine, 20 ml (150 mg), plus dexmedetomidine, 1 mg x kg-1. The following variables were studied: total analgesic block onset time, upper level of analgesia, analgesic and motor block duration time, intensity of motor block, state of consciousness, hemodynamics, postoperative analgesia and incidence of side-effects.


RESULTS
Epidural dexmedetomidine did not affect onset time or upper level of anesthesia (p > 0.05) however it prolonged sensory and motor block duration time (p < 0.05) and postoperative analgesia (p < 0.05), and also resulted in a more intense motor block, l (p < 0.05). Values of bispectral index were lower in Dexmedetomidine Group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in incidence of hypotension and bradycardia (p > 0.05). Occurrence of side-effects (shivering, vomiting and SpO2 < 90%) was low and similar between groups (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There is clear synergism between epidural dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine, further this drug association does not bring about additional morbidity.
Salgado
Paula Fialho Saraiva
PF
Hospital de Base da Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, SP.
Sabbag
Amália Tieco
AT
Silva
Priscila Costa da
PC
Brienze
Sergio Luís Aparecido
SL
Dalto
Helio Pontes
HP
Módolo
Norma Sueli Pinheiro
NS
Braz
José Reinaldo Cerqueira
JR
Nascimento
Paulo
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D020927:Dexmedetomidine; D000077212:Ropivacaine