Abstract
Background and Objectives: Caudal epidural block is one of the most common regional anesthetic techniques used in neonate and children.Stable hemodynamics and prevention of nero transmitter release after caudal block in postoperative period leads to facilitation of surgical wound repair, reducing parents anxiety, surgeons satisfaction ,decreasing hospitalization time and finance
Aim of this study was assessment of supplementation of local anesthetic drugs with clonidin in epidural caudal anesthesia to increase duration and quality of analgesia.
Methods: One hundred children aged 2-7 years, scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgery, were evaluated in this prospective randomized double blind and placebo controlled clinical trial in two equal groups to receive 0.25% bupivacain 1ml/kg combined with either clonidine 2µg/kg (group 1)or 1ml normal saline (group 2). Method of anesthesia were similar in both groups .analgesic consumption ,systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded.
Results: Three patients (6%) in group 1(first 1-2hours) and 21patients(42%) in group 2(up to 8 hours) required supplementary analgesia after operation ( P<0.001). According to P values there were significant differences between two groups in the mean of systolic blood pressure (P<0.01), diastolic blood pressure(P<0.013). and heart rate(P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that when added to bupivacaine, clonidine improves the efficacy and lengths of caudal analgesia in children.