Estudio cuasi experimental: analgesia intratecal Clonidina vs Morfina para manejo del dolor postoperatorio inmediato en cirugías de columna / QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY: CLONIDINE INTRATHECAL ANESTHESIA VS. MORPHINE FOR IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN SPINE SURGERY

Introducción: El manejo inmediato del dolor postoperatorio es esencial para una comodidad y rehabilitación temprana del paciente Este estudio busca evaluar el efecto analgésico postoperatorio inmediato en cirugías de columna lumbosacra por vía posterior, como los efectos adversos con la administración de analgesia intratecal, usando Clonidina contra Morfina. Material y métodos: Es un estudio analítico de intervención, cuasi experimental, prospectivo, longitudinal, comparativo, doble ciego. Para comparar la eficacia de la analgesia intratecal post operatoria inmediata en cirugías de columna lumbosacra primarias por vía posterior y los efectos adversos. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos previamente designados, a un grupo se le administro Clonidina 0.5 microgramos/kg/peso y a otro grupo Morfina 5 microgramos/Kg/Peso. intratecal, intraoperatorio. Resultados: Existió diferencia estadísticamente significativa con mejor manejo del dolor postoperatorio en las primeras horas y menor presencia de vómitos en el grupo de pacientes que se utilizó Clonidina intratecal. No existió diferencia estadísticamente significativa de ambas medicaciones intratecales en la valoración de otros efectos adversos. Discusión: El uso de la analgesia intratecal ha ido ganando relevancia en el tiempo y se fueron sumando estudios para ver la eficacia de diferentes medicamentos, diferentes dosis, menor presencia de efectos adversos. El estudio analiza estas variables buscando una mejor opción terapéutica. Tenemos a favor una muestra representativa a pesar de no ser aleatoria, estricto seguimiento, y análisis estadístico adecuado. Conclusión: La Clonidina intratecal es más efectiva para manejo del dolor post operatorio inmediato de cirugías de columna lumbosacra por vía posterior y con menor presencia de efectos adversos

Introduction: Immediate postoperative pain management is essential for the patient's greater comfort and early rehabilitation. Te goal of this study is to evaluate the immediate analgesic postoperative effect in posterior lumbosacral spine surgery, as well as the adverse effects of the administration of intrathecal analgesia, using Clonidine versus Morphine. Material and methods: An analytical, quasi-experimental, prospective, longitudinal, comparative, double-blinded intervention study was conducted to compare the efficacy of immediate postoperative intrathecal analgesia in primary posterior lumbosacral spine surgery, and the adverse effects. Te patients were divided into two previously designated groups. One group received Clonidine 0.5 microgramos/kg and the other group received Morphine 5 microgramos/kg. Intrathecal, intraoperative. Results: Tere was a statistically significant difference with better postoperative pain management in the first hours and less vomiting in the group of patients who received intrathecal Clonidine. Tere was no statistically significant difference between both intrathecal medications in the evaluation of other adverse effects. Discussion: Te use of intrathecal analgesia, has been on the rise over time and more studies have been conducted to see the efficacy of different drugs, different doses, with fewer adverse effects. Tis study to analyze these variables with a view to finding a better therapeutic option. Te advantage is having a representative if not random sample, strict follow-up, and appropriate statistical analysis Conclusion: Intrathecal Clonidine proved to be more effective in immediate postoperative pain management after posterior lumbosacral spine surgery and with fewer adverse effects

Prevalence of delirium in intensive care patients and association with sedoanalgesia, severity and mortality / Prevalencia de delirio en pacientes de cuidados intensivos y asociación con la sedoanalgesia, gravedad y mortalidad / Prevalência de delirium em pacientes de terapia intensiva e associação com sedoanalgesia, gravidade e mortalidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the prevalence of delirium and its subsyndrome in intensive care and to associate it with the use of sedative and analgesia, severity and mortality. Method: Carried out in two intensive care units of adult patients, this is a quantitative and transversal study, with 157 patients, using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale to assess the level of sedation and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist for delirium. The T test and Chi-square test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of delirium was 22.3%, and 49.7% of the subsyndrome. Associations of the use of midazolam with the presence of delirium (p=0.05) and subsyndromal delirium (p<0.01), use of clonidine with the appearance of delirium (p<0.01) and of fentanyl with subsyndromal delirium (p=0.09). There were no significant differences between the mortality of patients with delirium (p=0.40) and subsyndromal delirium (p=0.86), as well as association with the mortality score. Conclusion: The use of sedoanalgesia is associated with the presence of delirium and subsyndromal delirium. No significant statistical associations were found between the severity and mortality scores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia del delirio y su subsíndrome en pacientes de cuidados intensivos y asociarlos con el uso de la sedoanalgesia, con la gravedad y con la mortalidad. Método: Realizado en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos de pacientes adultos, se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal, con 157 pacientes, utilizando las escalas Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (Escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond) para evaluar el nivel de sedación y la de la Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (Lista de verificación para la detección del delirio en cuidados intensivos) para el delirio. Se aplicaron las pruebas de T y Chi-cuadrado para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: La prevalencia del delirio fue del 22,3%, y la del subsíndrome fue del 49,7%. Se han encontrado asociaciones del uso de midazolan con la presencia de delirio (p = 0,05) y del deilirio subsindromático (p < 0,01), del uso de clonidina con la aparición de delirio (p < 0,01) y de fentanil con el delirio subsindromático (p = 0,09). No se registraron diferencias significativas entre la mortalidad de los pacientes con delirio (p = 0,40) y el delirio. Conclusión: El uso de sedoanalgesia se asocia con la presencia de delirio y delirio subsindromático. No se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas significativas entre la gravedad y las puntuaciones de mortalidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência do delirium e sua subsíndrome em pacientes de terapia intensiva e associar com uso de sedoanalgesia, gravidade e mortalidade. Método: Realizado em duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de pacientes adultos, trata-se de estudo quantitativo e transversal, com 157 pacientes, utilizando as escalas Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale para avaliação do nível de sedação e Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist para delirium. Foi aplicado o teste t e qui-quadrado para análise estatística. Resultados: A prevalência de delirium foi 22,3% e da subsíndrome 49,7%. Foram encontradas associações do uso de midazolan com a presença de delirium (p=0,05) e delirium subsindromático (p<0,01), uso de clonidina com o aparecimento de delirium (p<0,01) e de fentanil com o delirium subsindromático (p=0,09). Não houve diferenças significativas entre mortalidade de paciente com delirium (p=0,40) e delirium subsindromático (p= 0,86), bem como associação com o escore de mortalidade. Conclusão: O uso de sedoanalgesia está associado à presenta de delirium e delirium subsindromático. Não foram encontradas associações estatísticas significativas entre os escores de gravidade e mortalidade.

Prevalence of delirium in intensive care patients and association with sedoanalgesia, severity and mortality / Prevalencia de delirio en pacientes de cuidados intensivos y asociación con la sedoanalgesia, gravedad y mortalidad / Prevalência de delirium em pacientes de terapia intensiva e associação com sedoanalgesia, gravidade e mortalidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the prevalence of delirium and its subsyndrome in intensive care and to associate it with the use of sedative and analgesia, severity and mortality. Method: Carried out in two intensive care units of adult patients, this is a quantitative and transversal study, with 157 patients, using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale to assess the level of sedation and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist for delirium. The T test and Chi-square test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of delirium was 22.3%, and 49.7% of the subsyndrome. Associations of the use of midazolam with the presence of delirium (p=0.05) and subsyndromal delirium (p<0.01), use of clonidine with the appearance of delirium (p<0.01) and of fentanyl with subsyndromal delirium (p=0.09). There were no significant differences between the mortality of patients with delirium (p=0.40) and subsyndromal delirium (p=0.86), as well as association with the mortality score. Conclusion: The use of sedoanalgesia is associated with the presence of delirium and subsyndromal delirium. No significant statistical associations were found between the severity and mortality scores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia del delirio y su subsíndrome en pacientes de cuidados intensivos y asociarlos con el uso de la sedoanalgesia, con la gravedad y con la mortalidad. Método: Realizado en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos de pacientes adultos, se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal, con 157 pacientes, utilizando las escalas Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (Escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond) para evaluar el nivel de sedación y la de la Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (Lista de verificación para la detección del delirio en cuidados intensivos) para el delirio. Se aplicaron las pruebas de T y Chi-cuadrado para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: La prevalencia del delirio fue del 22,3%, y la del subsíndrome fue del 49,7%. Se han encontrado asociaciones del uso de midazolan con la presencia de delirio (p = 0,05) y del deilirio subsindromático (p < 0,01), del uso de clonidina con la aparición de delirio (p < 0,01) y de fentanil con el delirio subsindromático (p = 0,09). No se registraron diferencias significativas entre la mortalidad de los pacientes con delirio (p = 0,40) y el delirio. Conclusión: El uso de sedoanalgesia se asocia con la presencia de delirio y delirio subsindromático. No se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas significativas entre la gravedad y las puntuaciones de mortalidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer a prevalência do delirium e sua subsíndrome em pacientes de terapia intensiva e associar com uso de sedoanalgesia, gravidade e mortalidade. Método: Realizado em duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de pacientes adultos, trata-se de estudo quantitativo e transversal, com 157 pacientes, utilizando as escalas Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale para avaliação do nível de sedação e Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist para delirium. Foi aplicado o teste t e qui-quadrado para análise estatística. Resultados: A prevalência de delirium foi 22,3% e da subsíndrome 49,7%. Foram encontradas associações do uso de midazolan com a presença de delirium (p=0,05) e delirium subsindromático (p<0,01), uso de clonidina com o aparecimento de delirium (p<0,01) e de fentanil com o delirium subsindromático (p=0,09). Não houve diferenças significativas entre mortalidade de paciente com delirium (p=0,40) e delirium subsindromático (p= 0,86), bem como associação com o escore de mortalidade. Conclusão: O uso de sedoanalgesia está associado à presenta de delirium e delirium subsindromático. Não foram encontradas associações estatísticas significativas entre os escores de gravidade e mortalidade.

Comparison of adductor canal block for analgesia in arthroscopic surgery with ropivacaine alone and ropivacaine and clonidine / Comparação do bloqueio do canal adutor para analgesia em cirurgia artroscópica com ropivacaína isolada e ropivacaína + clonidina

Abstract Background and objectives: Inadequate pain relief after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects mobility leading to development of adhesions, weakened ligament insertion and muscle atrophy. Adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia preserves quadriceps strength. The present study was conducted to compare pain free period in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, receiving ultrasound-guided adductor canal block with ropivacaine alone and ropivacaine with clonidine. Methods: A prospective randomized double blinded study was conducted including sixty-three adult, ASA class I, II patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. They were randomized into three groups: Group S - control group received adductor canal block with 30 mL saline, Group R - ropivacaine group received adductor canal block with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and Group RC - clonidine group received adductor canal block with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine with clonidine 1 µg.kg-1. The primary aim was to compare the pain free period in patients receiving adductor canal block with ropivacaine alone or ropivacine with clonidine. The secondary outcomes were pain score at rest and movement, total analgesic requirement, sedation score and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results: The mean pain free periods were 20 min, 384.76 min and 558.09 min for Group S, Group R and Group RC, respectively and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between Group R and Group RC in terms of pain scores at rest and movement and total analgesic requirement. Conclusion: Addition of clonidine to ropivacaine in USG guided adductor canal block led to significant prolongation of pain free period though pain score at rest and movement, and rescue analgesic requirement, did not differ.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O alívio inadequado da dor após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior afeta a mobilidade, leva ao desenvolvimento de aderências, inserção do ligamento enfraquecido e atrofia muscular. O bloqueio do canal adutor para analgesia pós-operatória preserva a força do quadríceps. O presente estudo foi feito para comparar o período sem dor em pacientes de reconstrução artroscópica do ligamento cruzado anterior, submetidos ao bloqueio do canal adutor guiado por ultrassom com ropivacaína isolada e ropivacaína + clonidina. Métodos: Um estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego foi conduzido com 63 pacientes adultos, estado físico ASA I-II, submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo S, que recebeu bloqueio do canal adutor com 30 mL de solução salina para controle; Grupo R, que recebeu bloqueio do canal adutor com 30 mL de ropivacaína a 0,375%; Grupo RC, que recebeu bloqueio do canal adutor com 30 mL de ropivacaína a 0,375% e 1 µg.kg-1 de clonidina. O desfecho primário do estudo foi comparar o período sem dor nos pacientes que receberam bloqueio do canal adutor com ropivacaína isolada ou ropivacina + clonidina. Os desfechos secundários foram escores de dor em repouso e movimento, necessidade total de analgésicos, escore de sedação, além de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório. Resultados: Os períodos médios sem dor foram 20 min, 384,76 min e 558,09 min para os grupos S, R e RC, respectivamente, e essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos R e RC em termos de escores de dor em repouso e movimento e a necessidade total de analgésicos. Conclusão: A adição de clonidina à ropivacaína em bloqueio do canal adutor guiado por ultrassom levou a um prolongamento significativo do período sem dor, embora os escores de dor em repouso e movimento, e a necessidade de analgésico de resgate, não tenham diferido.

Combination of clonidine-bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia for hypospadias surgery in children: prospective, randomized, blind study / Associação clonidina-bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal para cirurgia de hipospádia em crianças: estudo prospectivo, randomizado, encoberto

Abstract Background and objectives: The combination of clonidine with local anesthetic administered for epidural anesthesia via caudal route seems to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia, but with conflicting results. This study compared the postoperative analgesia of three different doses of clonidine combined with bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia in children undergoing hypospadias repair. Methods: Eighty children aged 1-10 years, candidates for surgical repair of hypospadias, were randomly divided into four groups of 20 patients to receive general anesthesia combined with caudal epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.165% alone or in combination with 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg- 1 of clonidine. The primary outcome was morphine consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, time to awakening, pain severity (FLACC scale), level of sedation (RAMSAY), duration of analgesia, and occurrence of adverse effects were also compared. Results: Intraoperatively, there was no difference between groups regarding mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, and time to awakening. Postoperative morphine consumption and pain severity were similar between groups, but the group receiving clonidine (3 µg.kg-1) had lower heart rate and higher sedation level than the group receiving bupivacaine alone. Conclusions: The combination of clonidine at doses of 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg-1 with bupivacaine 0.16% via caudal epidural route did not alter the consumption of morphine in the early postoperative period of children undergoing hypospadias repair.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A associação de clonidina ao anestésico local administrado por via peridural caudal parece melhorar a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória, mas com resultados conflitantes. Este estudo comparou a analgesia pós-operatória de três diferentes doses de clonidina associada à bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal em crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia. Método: Oitenta crianças entre um e dez anos, candidatas à correção cirúrgica de hipospádia, foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos de 20 pacientes para receber anestesia geral associada à anestesia peridural caudal com bupivacaína 0,166% isolada ou associada a 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina. Como desfecho principal avaliou-se o consumo de morfina nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Compararam-se também pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano, tempo de despertar da anestesia, intensidade da dor pela escala FLACC, nível de sedação (Ramsay), tempo de duração da analgesia e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Resultados: No transoperatório, não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano e ao tempo de despertar. No pós-operatório, o consumo de morfina e a intensidade da dor foram similares entre os grupos, mas o grupo que recebeu 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina apresentou menor frequência cardíaca e maior sedação do que o grupo que recebeu somente bupivacaína. Conclusões: A associação de clonidina nas doses de 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 à bupivacaína 0,166% por via peridural caudal não alterou o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório imediato de crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia.

A hipertensão e a medicina translacional / Hypertension in translacional cardiology

A nova fase de aceleração da transferência de conhecimento para a aplicação foi, simbolicamente, iniciada na década de 40, com o desenvolvimento da bomba atômica por um grupo notável de físicos. Na mesma época, o conhecimento transferido na Universidade de Stanford cria o Vale do Silício, onde se desenvolveu a indústria eletrônica com aplicação dos transistors. Logo, importantes universidades criam incubadoras e parques tecnológicos para acelerar a transferência do conhecimento para a aplicação, inaugurando-se a assim chamada Pesquisa Translacional. Na Medicina, só a partir do ano 2000, e com importante financiamento do National Institute of Health dos Estados Unidos, é que se inicia o movimento, sistematizando a transferência e criando-se a Medicina Translacional. Nessa revisão, apresentaremos dois exemplos de Medicina Translacional (Cardiologia Translacional) provenientes de pesquisas do nosso grupo de Hipertensão do Instituto do Coração (InCor). O primeiro ilustra a retroalimentação entre a pesquisa básica e a clínica, estudando a influência da hiperatividade da enzima conversora da angiotensina no desenvolvimento da hipertrofia cardíaca clínica (polimorfismo do gene da ECA) e em camundongos com uma, duas, três e quatro cópias do gene da enzima conversora, submetidos a natação ou coarctação da aorta. O segundo ilustra a transferência do conhecimento obtido na investigação clínica para a prática médica, com um estudo multicêntrico (25 centros do Brasil) sobre a prevalência da hipertensão resistente na população brasileira e a comparação da clonidina e espirolactona como quarta droga a ser administrada nos pacientes resistentes: Estudo Multicêntrico de Pacientes com Hipertensão Arterial para Identificação de Pacientes Resistentes e Padronização de Esquema Terapêutico. Os dois exemplos ilustram a importância das instituições (no caso, o InCor) propiciarem condições e ambientes favoráveis para que os profissionais de diferentes disciplinas (clínicos, fisiologistas, biologistas moleculares, bioengenheiros, enfermeiros, nutricionistas, fisioterapeutas, educadores físicos etc) trabalhem integrados e pratiquem a Cardiologia Translacional

The acceleration of the transfer of knowledge to application began symbolically in the 1940s, with the development of the atomic bomb by a notable group of physicists. In that same period, the knowledge transferred from Stanford University led to the creation of Silicon Valley, where the electronic industry was developed with the application of transistors. Soon afterwards, major universities created incubators and technology parks in order to accelerate the transfer of knowledge to application, inaugurating the concept of Translational Research. In the field of Medicine, the transfer systematization process began in 2000, with important funding from the US National Institute of Health, creating Translational Medicine. In this review, two examples of Translational Medicine (Translational Cardiology) from research by our Hypertension team of the Heart Institute (InCor) are presented. The first illustrates the feedback between basic and clinical research, studying the influence of the hyperactivity of the angiotensin converting enzyme in the development of clinical cardiac hypertrophy (polymorphism of the ACE gene) and in mice with one, two, three and four copies of the converting enzyme gene, submitted to swimming or aortic coarctation. The second illustrates the transfer of knowledge obtained in the clinical investigation to clinic practice with a multicenter trial (25 centers in Brazil) on the prevalence of resistant hypertension in the Brazilian population, and the comparison of clonidine and spirolactone as a forth drug to be administrated in resistant patients: Multicenter Study of Patients with Arterial Hypertension for Identification of Resistant Patients and Standardization of the Therapeutic Regimen. Both examples illustrate the importance of institutions (in this case, InCor) in providing a favorable environment and conditions for professionals from different disciplines (clinicians, physiologists, molecular biologists, bioengineers, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, physical educators, etc.) to work in an integrated way and practice Translational Cardiology

Multimodal therapeutic approach of vaginismus: an innovative approach through trigger point infiltration and pulsed radiofrequency of the pudendal nerve / Terapêutica multimodal do vaginismo: abordagem inovadora por meio de infiltração de pontos gatilho e radiofrequência pulsada do nervo pudendo

Abstract Vaginismus is a poorly understood disorder, characterized by an involuntary muscular spasm of the pelvic floor muscles and outer third of the vagina during intercourse attempt, which results in aversion to penetration. It is reported to affect 1-7% of women worldwide. With this report the authors aim to describe the case of a young patient with vaginismus in whom techniques usually from the chronic pain domain were used as part of her multimodal therapeutic regimen.

Resumo O vaginismo é uma doença pouco compreendida que se caracteriza por uma contração muscular involuntária dos músculos do pavimento pélvico e do terço externo da vagina durante as tentativas de intercurso sexual, o que resulta em aversão à penetração. Estima-se que possa afetar entre 1%-7% da população feminina mundial. Com este relato os autores pretendem apresentar o caso de uma paciente jovem com vaginismo na qual foram usadas técnicas habitualmente do domínio da medicina da dor crônica como parte do seu esquema terapêutico multimodal.

Oral Clonidine and Midazolam as Premedication in Pediatric Anesthesia- Efficacy and Outcome in Comparison with Oral Promethagine.

Background: In most of the centers of developing country no premedication is used in cases of anesthesia in paediatric population. Many centers use oral promethagine on the night before to ensure good sleep. Th ere is dilemma of using premedication with a fear of losing control over baby. Th ere are controversial results regarding the eff ectiveness of clonidine compared with midazolam as premedication in children. Aim: Th e aim of this study is to evaluate the effi cacy of oral clonidine and midazolam as a premedication and compare to with that of conventional promethagine in pediatric patients. Methods: Th is prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, among 90 children aged 2 to 7 years of ASA grade I & II scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia during the period of Jan 2012 to Dec 2013. All the children were randomly divided in three groups, 30 children received only syrup promethagine as per body weight (Group-P, n=30) at night. In the study groups, after the syp promethagine at night in addition they were also given oral clonidine 4 μg/kg mixed with honey (Group-C, n=30) and midazolam 0.5 mg/kg mixed with honey (Group-M, n=30) at 60 and 20 min before separation of baby from parents lap respectively. Th e protocol of general anesthesia like induction, intubation, maintenance, reversal and postoperative analgesia was the same for all three groups. Patient’s sedation status, separation anxiety, venipuncture, mask acceptance, anesthetics requirement, salivation, analgesia, post operative nausea vomiting (PONV) and emergence agitation were recorded by an observer blind of the patient’s group. Results: Children characteristics were similar in all three groups. Children who had received clonidine as well as midazolam had more satisfactory sedation upon parent separation and less separation anxiety than promethazine; compared with midazolam & promethazine, clonidine premedication was associated with better mask acceptance; children who had received clonidine had signifi cantly less incidence of salivation and less rescue antisialagogue; children received clonidine were better managed both intra & post operatively and needed less rescue analgesics; children who had received clonidine had signifi cantly less episodes of PONV and also required less rescue antiemetic; incidence of emergence agitation was less in clonidine group in comparison with other two groups. Conclusion: Th e fi ndings of the study suggest that both midazolam and clonidine are safe and eff ective as anaesthetic premedication in paediatric population. It can be concluded that oral midazolam premedication is eff ective as far as sedation is concern but considering multifarious anesthetic function oral clonidine is much superior premedicant. However, the risks of heart rate and blood pressure decreases, and the prolonged onset of sedation associated with clonidine should be considered. We recommend further multi-centre studies with larger samples to validate fi ndings of our study.

Subarachnoid clonidine and trauma response in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass / Clonidina subaracnóidea e resposta ao trauma em cirurgias cardíacas com circulação extracorpórea / Clonidina subaracnoidea y respuesta al trauma en cirugías cardíacas con circulación extracorpórea

Background and objectives: The intense trauma response triggered by cardiopulmonary bypass can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The present study evaluated whether clonidine, a drug of the class of α-2 agonists, administered by spinal route, without association with local anesthetics or opioids, reduces this response in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Method: A total of 27 patients between 18 and 75 years old, divided by non-blinded fashion into a control group (15) and a clonidine group (12), were studied. All patients underwent identical technique of general anesthesia. Then, only the clonidine group received 1 μg kg−1 clonidine by spinal route. Levels of blood glucose, lactate and cortisol were measured at three consecutive times: T1, at the time of installation of invasive arterial pressure; T2, 10 min after the first dose for cardioplegia; and T3, at the time of skin suture; and troponin I values at T1 and T3. The variation of results between T2-T1, T3-T2, and T3-T1 was also evaluated. Results: There was a statistically significant difference only with respect to the variation in blood glucose in the clonidine group: T3-T2, p = 0.027 and T3-T1, p = 0.047. Conclusions: Spinal clonidine at a dose of 1 μg kg−1 did not decrease blood measurements of troponin, cortisol, or lactate. Blood glucose suffered a more moderate variation during the procedure in the clonidine group. This fact, already reported in the literature, requires further investigation to be clarified. .

Justificativa e objetivos: A intensa resposta ao trauma desencadeada pela circulação extracorpórea pode conduzir ao aumento da morbimortalidade. 0 presente estudo avaliou se a clonidina, fàrmaco da classe dos α-2 agonistas, por via raquidiana, sem associação com anestésicos locais ou opioides, reduz essa resposta em cirurgias cardíacas com uso de circulação extracorpórea. Método: Estudaram-se 27 pacientes entre 18 e 75 anos, separados de modo não encoberto em grupo controle (15) e grupo clonidina (12). Todos foram submetidos a técnica idéntica de anestesia geral. A seguir, apenas o grupo clonidina recebeu 1 mg.kg−1 de clonidina por via raquidiana. Foram dosados os valores de glicemia, lactato e cortisol em trés tempos consecutivos: T1, no momento da instalação da pressão arterial invasiva (PAM); T2, dez minutos após a primeira dose de cardioplegia; e T3 na sutura da pele, bem como os valores de troponina I em T1 e T3. Avaliou-se também a variação dos resultados entre: T2-T1; T3-T2 e T3-T1. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa apenas quanto à variação da glicemia no grupo clonidina: T3-T2 valor de p=0,027 e T3-T1 valor de p = 0,047. Conclusões: A clonidina espinhal em dose de 1 μg.kg−1 não diminuiu as dosagens sanguineas de troponina, cortisol ou lactato. A glicemia sofreu urna menor variação durante o procedimento no grupo clonidina. Esse fato, já registrado na literatura, necessita de maiores investigações para ser esclarecido. .

Introducción y objetivos: La intensa respuesta al trauma desencadenada por la circulación extracorpórea puede conducir al aumento de la morbimortalidad. El presente estudio eva-luó si la clonidina, fármaco de la clase de los α-2 agonistas, por vía raquídea, sin asociación con anestésicos locales u opiáceos, reduce esa respuesta en cirugías cardíacas con el uso de circulación extracorpórea. Método: Se estudiaron 27 pacientes entre 18 y 75 años, separados de modo no enmascarado en un grupo control (15) y un grupo clonidina (12). Todos fueron sometidos a la técnica idéntica de anestesia general. A continuación, solamente el grupo clonidina recibió 1 mgkg−1 de clonidina por vía raquídea. Se dosificaron los valores de glucemia, lactato y cortisol en 3 tiempos consecu-tivos: T1, al momento de la instalación de la presión arterial invasiva (PAP); T2, 10 min después de la primera dosis de cardioplejia; y T3 en la sutura de la piel, como también los valores de troponinai en T1 y T3. Evaluamos también la variación de los resultados entre T2-T1, T3-T2 y T3-T1. Resultados: Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa solamente en cuanto a la variación de la glucemia en el grupo clonidina: T3-T2 valor de p = 0,027 y T3-T1 valor de p = 0,047. Conclusiones: La clonidina espinal en dosis de 1 μgkg−1 no disminuyó las dosificaciones sanguíneas de troponina, cortisol o lactato. La glucemia experimentó una menor variación durante el procedimiento en el grupo clonidina. Ese hecho, ya registrado en la literatura, necesita más investigaciones para ser clarificado. .

Efectividad y seguridad de Risperidona comparada con Haloperidol, Olanzapina, Clozapina, Quetiapina, Aripiprazol, Clonidina, Placebo en personas con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista - TEA / Effectiveness and Safety of Risperidone compared to Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Clozapine, Quetiapine, Aripiprazole, Clonidine, Placebo in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD

Introducción: Los trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) son un grupo de discapacidades del desarrollo, de características crónicas y que afectan de manera distinta a cada paciente. Los TEA se definen como una disfunción neurológica crónica con fuerte base genética que desde edades tempranas se manifiesta en una serie de síntomas basados en la tríada de Wing que incluye: la comunicación, flexibilidad e imaginación e interacción social. No existe tratamiento curativo para el TEA, las terapias están dirigidas al control de los síntomas. Debido a la heterogeneidad de los síntomas, las terapias deben adaptarse al caso individual del paciente. Las intervenciones para los pacientes con diagnóstico de TEA pueden incluir educación, terapia conductual, o manejo farmacológico. Objetivo: realizar una revisión, apreciación crítica y síntesis de la evidencia disponible sobre la efectividad y seguridad de la risperidona para el tratamiento de personas con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista. Metodología: la evaluación fue realizada de acuerdo con un protocolo definido a priori por el grupo desarrollador. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, LILACS y Google, sin restricciones de idioma, fecha de publicación y tipo de estudio. Las búsquedas electrónicas fueron hechas en octubre de 2014 y se complementaron mediante búsqueda manual en bola de nieve y una consulta con expertos temáticos. La tamización de referencias se realizó por dos revisores de forma independiente y los desacuerdos fueron resueltos por consenso. La selección de estudios fue realizada mediante la revisión en texto completo de las referencias preseleccionadas, verificando los criterios de elegibilidad predefinidos. Las características y hallazgos de los estudios fueron extraídos a partir de las publicaciones originales. Resultados: Se identificó evidencia proveniente de 4 revisiones sistemáticas de moderada y alta calidad, que compraban risperidona con placebo, se encontró que risperidona fue superior a placebo en los desenlaces de impresión global de salud, irritabilidad, hiperactividad, estereotipias. Conclusiones: La risperidona comparada con placebo sugiere efectividad en relación a mejoría de síntomas como irritabilidad, hiperactividad y estereotipias, así como, de la impresión clínica global. No se puede establecer con la evidencia actual el perfil de seguridad de la risperidona, solo se evidenció que los pacientes que reciben risperidona tienen mayor riesgo de aumento de peso y de presentar síndrome de extrapiramidalismo.

comparison of the analgesic efficacy of transforaminal methylprednisolone alone and with low doses of clonidine in lumbo-sacral radiculopathy

Although transforaminal epidural steroid injections under fluoroscopic guidance have become a common mode of treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy due to herniated disc, the efficacy of steroid with low doses of clonidine has not been compared yet. Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of methylprednisolone alone and with low doses of clonidine for transforaminal injection in lumbosacral radiculopathy. A randomized, double-blind trial. This study was performed at the Pain Clinic under the Department of Anaesthesiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. One hundred and eighty ASA grade I and II patients aged between 18 and 55 years were allocated into groups I, II and III to receive methylprednisolone 60 mg alone or methylprednisolone 60 mg with or without low doses of clonidine [0.5 mcg/kg or 1 mcg/kg] as transforaminal epidural injection. Pain relief and patient's satisfaction were evaluated with the global pain scale. Follow-up visits were advised at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks and then at 6 months after injection. Associated complications were recorded. Maximum pain relief was observed at 2 weeks after injection in all the three groups, with no difference in complication rate among the three groups. The most common complication observed was paresthesia in the nerve distribution. Greater than 60% improvement in pain scores was seen in 40% of the patients in group I, 50% of the patients in group II and 75% of the patients in group III. Limitations: This study is limited by the lack of a placebo group. Adding 1 mcg/kg clonidine to 60 mg methylprednisolone in transforaminal epidural injections provided better pain relief than 60 mg methylprednisolone with 0.5 mcg/kg clonidine or 60 mg methylprednisolone alone in patients suffering from lumbosacral radiculopathy, with practically no significant side-effects

Clonidine for management of chronic pain: a brief review of the current evidences

Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has well-established role in acute perioperative pain management. However, recently it has found increasing use in chronic pain conditions as well. In this review, we systematically searched and analyzed the clinical studies from "PubMed," "PubMed central" and "Scopus" database for use of clonidine in the chronic pain. Quantitative meta-analysis was not possible as clonidine has been used in various patient populations through different routes. However, qualitative analysis of nearly thirty clinical studies provides some evidence that clonidine administered through epidural, intrathecal and local/topical route may be effective in chronic pain conditions where neuropathy is a predominant component. It may also be effective where opioids are of limited use due to inadequate pain relief or adverse effects

Spinal anesthesia for elective ceasarean section: use of different doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine associated with morphine and clonidine

PURPOSE: To comparatively study the efficacy and maternal and fetal side-effects of two doses of bupivacaine associated with morphine and clonidine, administered by the subarachnoid route for cesarean section. METHODS: The study included 66 pregnant women at term, distributed into two groups. GI: bupivacaine 8.0 mg (1.6mL) + clonidine 75µg (0.5mL) + morphine 100µg (1.0mL) and GII: bupivacaine 10mg (2.0mL) + clonidine 75µg (0.5mL) + morphine 100µg (1.0mL). The following parameters were assessed: onset and maximum level of sensory block; quality of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia; degree and duration of motor block; maternal repercussions and Apgar score. RESULTS: The onset of sensory block, quality of intraoperative analgesia and total duration of analgesia were similar in both groups; maximum extent of sensory block predominated in T4; maximum degree of motor block (Bromage 3); time motor block regression was significantly longer in GII; Hemodynamic, respiratory repercussions, adverse maternal effects and Apgar scores were similar between groups. In both groups, there was a predominance of drowsy or sleeping patients. CONCLUSION: The addition of morphine and clonidine to low doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine produced adequate anesthesia for cesarean section and good postoperative analgesia, without any maternal and fetal repercussions.

effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative pain after lower segment caesarean section: a randomized control trial

Intrathecal clonidine prolongs spinal anesthesia but the optimum dose to be used in cesarean delivery is not yet known. We evaluated the effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative pain after lower segment caesarean section. A total of 105 parturients carrying a singleton fetus at term, scheduled to undergo elective LSCS under spinal anesthesia were randomized in a double blind fashion to one of the three groups. Group BF [n=35] received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 microg fentanyl, Group BC[50] [n=35] received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 50 microg clonidine, Group BC[75] [n=35] received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 75 microg clonidine. The duration of postoperative analgesia was 184.73 +/- 68.64 min in group BF, 360.71 +/- 86.51 min in group BC[50] and 760.50 +/- 284.03 min in group BC[75], P0<0.001. The incidence of hypotension was comparable, P =0.932, whereas the incidence of nausea and pruritis was significantly lower in groups BC[50] and BC[75] as compared to group BF, P <0.001. No other side effects of intrathecal clonidine were detected. Neonatal outcome was similar in all the three groups. Addition of 75 microg clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for LSCS significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia without any increase in maternal side effects. There was no difference in neonatal outcome

comparative evaluation of intravenous with intramuscular clonidine for suppression of hemodynamic changes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clonidine diminishes stress response by reducing circulating catecholamines and hence increases perioperative circulatory stability in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare intravenous [IV] clonidine [2 microg/kg] with intramuscular [IM] clonidine [2 microg/kg] for attenuation of stress response in laproscopic surgeries. Eighty adult patients classified as ASA physical status I or II, aged between 20 and 60 years undergoing elective cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were enrolled for a prospective, randomized, and double-blind controlled trial. They received either IV clonidine [2 microg/kg] 15 min prior to the scheduled surgery [Group I] or IM clonidine [2 microg/kg] 60-90 min prior to the scheduled surgery [Group II]. Hemodynamic variables [Heart rate, systolic [SBP], diastolic [DBP], mean arterial pressure [MAP]], SpO[2] and EtCO[2] were recorded at specific times - baseline, prior to induction, 1 min after intubation, before CO[2], insufflation, after CO[2] insufflation at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 min, after release of CO[2], at 1 and 10 minutes after extubation. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of adverse effect profile of the two groups. No significant difference was observed in the HR throughout the intraoperative period in between the two groups [P>0.05]. There was statistically significant difference in SBP between the two groups starting from 1 minute after induction till 1 min after extubation [P<0.05] but not in DBP except at 1 minute after intubation [P=0.042]. Significant difference in MAP was noted at 1 minute after intubation [P=0.004] and then from 5 minutes after CO[2] insufflation to 1 minute after extubation [P<0.05]. Incidence of adverse effects were higher in group II [P=0.02] especially incidence of hypertension requiring treatment [0.006]. We conclude that under the conditions of this study, hemodynamic parameters [SBP, DBP and MAP] were better maintained in the IV as compared to the IM route that had significantly higher incidence of hypertension requiring treatment

[Evaluation of oral clonidine effects on prevention of post-anesthesia shivering]

Shivering is a common post anesthesia complication. Intravenous Clonidine administration at induction of anesthesia is a useful drug for decreasing of incidence and severity of post-anesthesia shivering. As Clonidine injection can induce side effects therefore we evaluated the oral Clonidine premedication on post-anesthesia shivering. In a RCT, 60 adult patients in ASA class 1 and 2 scheduled for cholecystectomy were assigned to 2 groups. 2 hours before anesthesia, 0.2 mg oral Clonidine was administrated and to the other group placebo was administered. Surgery room temperature was adjusted for 21-23[degree][c]. At the end of the anesthesia, the patients' shivering was evaluated in the recovery room by "Crossley andMahajan shivering score". There was no difference at decrease of SpO2 and H.R. and MAP between 2 groups. There was no difference in average time of emergence between 2 groups. Overall 75% of the patients shivered after anesthesia. Median shivering score in clonidine group was 1.97 and in placebo were 2.87. It became revealed that there was clear difference at shivering score between 2 groups [less severe or generalized shivering patients in test group]. 0.2 mg Clonidine tablet, 2 hours before anesthesia is similar to injecting drug and is effective in prevention of post-anesthesia shivering but its complication is less. Lack of difference at hemodynamics and SpO2 and emergence in our study may be due to slow absorption of oral Clonidine

[ effect of oral clonidine premedication on blood loss and the quality of the surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery: a placebo-controlled clinical trial]

Bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery [FESS] remains a challenge for both surgeons and anesthesiologists despite several modalities available for improving the surgical field. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oral clonidine premedication on blood loss and the quality of the surgical field in FESS. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 84 American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] physical status I-II patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis were randomly allocated to receive either oral clonidine 0.2 mg or identical looking placebo tablets 90 min before arrival at the operating room. Blood loss in the clonidine group was 214 +/- 67 ml on average and that in the placebo group was 276 +/- 78 ml [mean +/- SD, p 0.01]. The median [range] bleeding score in the clonidine group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group [2 [1-3] vs. 2.5 [2-4], p<0.0001]. Accordingly, the surgeon was more satisfied with the surgical field in the clonidine group than with that in the placebo group [median score, 4 [3-5] vs. 3 [1-5], p<0.001]. Premedication with oral clonidine 0.2 mg can effectively reduce bleeding during FESS

Sedação com sufentanil e clonidina em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco / Sedation with sufentanil and clonidine in patients undergoing heart catheterization / Sedación con sufentanil y clonidina en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco

FUNDAMENTO: A sedação para a realização de cateterismo cardíaco tem sido alvo de preocupação. Benzodiazepínicos, agonistas alfa-2 adrenérgicos e opioides são utilizados para esse fim, entretanto, cada um destes medicamentos possui vantagens e desvantagens. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do sufentanil e da clonidina como sedativos em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco, observando o impacto dos mesmos sobre os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios, a presença de efeitos colaterais, além da satisfação do paciente e do hemodinamicista com o exame. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico prospectivo, duplo-cego, randomizado e controlado, que envolveu 60 pacientes que receberam 0,1 µg/kg de sufentanil ou 0,5 µg/kg de clonidina antes da realização do cateterismo cardíaco. O escore de sedação segundo a escala de Ramsay, a necessidade de utilização de midazolam, os efeitos colaterais, os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e respiratórios foram registrados, sendo os dados analisados em 06 diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: O comportamento da pressão arterial, da frequência cardíaca e da frequência respiratória foi semelhante nos dois grupos, entretanto, no momento 2, os pacientes do grupo sufentanil (Grupo S) apresentaram menor escore de sedação segundo a escala de Ramsay, e a saturação periférica da oxihemoglobina foi menor que o grupo clonidina (Grupo C) no momento 6. Os pacientes do Grupo S apresentaram maior incidência de náusea e vômito pós-operatório que os pacientes do Grupo C. A satisfação dos pacientes foi maior no grupo clonidina. Os hemodinamicistas mostraram-se satisfeitos nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O sufentanil e a clonidina foram efetivos como sedativos em pacientes submetidos a cateterismo cardíaco.

BACKGROUND: Sedation for heart catheterization has been a cause for concern. Benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and opioids are used for this purpose. However, each drug has advantages and disadvantages. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sufentanil and clonidine as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization, observing their impact on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, the presence of side effects and satisfaction of the patient and interventional cardiologist with the examination. METHODS: This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial involving 60 patients who received 0.1 µg/kg of sufentanil or 0.5 µg/kg of clonidine before heart catheterization. The score of sedation according to the Ramsay scale, the need for use of midazolam, side effects and hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded, with the data being analyzed at 06 different moments. RESULTS: The behavior of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was similar in both groups, but, at moment 2, the patients in the sufentanil group (Group S) had a lower sedation score on the Ramsay scale, and the peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation was lower than in the clonidine group (Group C) at time 6. Patients in Group S had higher incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery than patients in Group C. Patient satisfaction was higher in the clonidine group. The interventional cardiologists were satisfied in both groups. CONCLUSION: Sufentanil and clonidine were effective as sedative in patients undergoing heart catheterization.

FUNDAMENTO: La sedación para la realización de cateterismo cardíaco ha sido blanco de preocupación. Benzodiazepínicos, agonistas alfa-2 adrenérgicos y opioides son utilizados para ese fin, entre tanto, cada uno de estos medicamentos posee ventajas y desventajas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del sufentanil y de la clonidina como sedativos en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco, observando el impacto de los mismos sobre los parámetros hemodinámicos y respiratorios, la presencia de efectos colaterales, además de la satisfacción del paciente y del hemodinamista con el examen. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un ensayo clínico prospectivo, doble ciego, randomizado y controlado, que incluyó 60 pacientes que recibieron 0,1 µg/kg de sufentanil o 0,5 µg/kg de clonidina antes de la realización del cateterismo cardíaco. El escore de sedación según la escala de Ramsay, la necesidad de utilización de midazolam, los efectos colaterales, los parámetros hemodinámicos y respiratorios fueron registrados, siendo los datos analizados en 6 diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: El comportamiento de la presión arterial, de la frecuencia cardíaca y de la frecuencia respiratoria fue semejante en los dos grupos, entre tanto, en el momento 2, los pacientes del grupo sufentanil (Grupo S) presentaron menor escore de sedación según la escala de Ramsay, y la saturación periférica de la oxihemoglobina fue menor que el grupo clonidina (Grupo C) en el momento 6. Los pacientes del Grupo S presentaron mayor incidencia de náusea y vomito post operatorio que los pacientes del Grupo C. La satisfacción de los pacientes fue mayor en el grupo clonidina. Los hemodinamistas se mostraron satisfechos en los dos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: El sufentanil y la clonidina fueron efectivos como sedativos en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco.

Evaluation of analgesic effects of intrathecal clonidine along with bupivacaine in cesarean section

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic and adverse effects of intrathecal clonidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia. Randomized single blind trial. 210 ASA l-ll pregnant females undergoing emergency cesarean section were randomized in a single-blind fashion to one of the three groups. In group I [n = 70] patients received 12.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally. In group ll [n = 70] patients received intrathecal mixture of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine [8 mg] and clonidine 50 /microg. In group III [n = 70] patients received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine [10 mg] intrathecally along with 50/microg of clonidine. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA with the Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc test. The proportion of adverse events was compared using the chi-square test [lambda[2] = 57.2410]. On adding 50 micro g clonidine, we were able to reduce intrathecal dose of bupivacaine for cesarean section to 8 mg. Patients receiving intrathecal clonidine along with bupivacaine had significantly long lasting analgesia with lower bupivacaine dose [246.21 +/- 5.15 min. [group II] vs 146.0 +/- 4.55 min [group I], P=0.021; 95% confidence interval: 238.01-257.40, group II and 134.99-157.0 group I. Addition of intrathecal clonidine causes some sedation in the postoperative period, but it provides adequate analgesia and motor paralysis at lower dose of bupivacaine. It also significantly prolongs postoperative pain relief