Evaluation of caudal block with dexmedetomidine mixed with ropivacaine for management of perioperative analgesia in children / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of caudal block with dexmedetomidine mixed with ropivacaine for the management of perioperative analgesia in children.Methods Sixty pediatric patients,aged 1-5 yr,of ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective hypospadias repair,were equally and randomly assigned into 2 groups using a random number tableropivacaine group (group R) and dexmedetomidine mixed with ropivacaine group (group DR).Each patient received a single caudal dose of 0.25％ ropivacaine 1 ml/kg in group R.Each patient received a single caudal dose of 0.25％ ropivacaine 1 ml/kg mixed with dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg in group DR.Postoperative analgesia was assessed using FLACC scale,and the degree of motor block was assessed using modified Bromage scale within 24 h after the end of operation.The duration of analgesia (the time from onset of caudal block to first requirement for the rescue analgesic) and development of side effects were recorded.Results Compared with group R,the duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged,and the incidence of bradycardia and oversedation was increased in group DR.Hypoxemia,hypotension and postoperative motor block were not found in either group.Conclusion Addition of dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg to caudal ropivacaine can significantly optimize the efficacy of caudal block with ropivacaine alone for the management of perioperative analgesia in children.