Comparison of ropivacaine (0.2%) with or without clonidine 1 µg/kg for epidural labor analgesia: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim is to determine the effect of addition of clonidine to ropivacaine for epidural labor analgesia with regard to onset of analgesia, duration of analgesia, neonatal outcome, and quality of analgesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 term parturients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I and II with uncomplicated pregnancy, vertex presentation, posted for on-demand epidural labor analgesia after informed consent were divided in two groups. Group R (n = 30) patients received 10 ml solution comprising 0.2% ropivacaine. Group RC (n = 30) patients received a total of 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine and clonidine 1 µg/kg. Characteristics of the block, onset and duration of analgesia, and total analgesic requirements were noted. Pain and overall satisfaction scores were assessed with a 10-point visual analog scale. Mode of delivery and neonatal APGAR scores were recorded. RESULTS: Maternal demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups. Addition of clonidine to ropivacaine shortened the onset and prolonged the duration of analgesia with decrease in ropivacaine requirement in Group RC. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding visual analog score and quality of analgesia, which was better in Group RC. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding motor block, hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that clonidine in low doses is a useful adjuvant to local anesthetics for epidural labor analgesia and a good alternative to opioids.

Palatonasal Fistula Repair - A Case of Unanticipated Difficult Intubation.

Patients with present or previous history of facio-maxillary trauma will mostly be associated with a difficult airway. Surgical correction of these injuries might not always correct the altered airway. We report a case of palatonasal fistula following an old facio-maxillary fracture, which has led to interpretation of a difficult airway into a normal one. The patient was found to be having difficult airway during direct laryngoscopy which caused failure to intubate initially. Though, the patient was successfully intubated in the third attempt by senior anaesthesiologist making use of manoeuvres and equipment available, it made an impact for us to do a proper pre-op evaluation of patients with history of surgical correction of facial injuries and also for being prepared for can't ventilate and can't intubate situation in such type of cases. Through, this case report we stress the importance of airway anatomical alterations following facio-maxillary trauma and their corresponding management.