Perineural dexmedetomidine decreases the onset time of bupivacaine 0.5%–epinephrine–dexamethasone for infraclavicular block: a randomized trial
Authors' conclusion
Compared with control (dexmedetomidine 0 µg/kg), perineural dexmedetomidine 0.67 µg/kg and 1.33 µg/kg decrease the onset time of bupivacaine 0.5%-epinephrine (5 µg/mL)-perineural dexamethasone (4 mg) for US-guided ICBs.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing upper limb surgery distal to the elbow with ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular block
- Participants
- 104 patients
- Comparison
- Perineural dexmedetomidine 0.67 or 1.33 µg/kg vs 0 µg/kg added to bupivacaine 0.5%–epinephrine–dexamethasone 4 mg
- Primary endpoint
- Onset time (time to minimal score of 14 points on a 16-point sensorimotor scale)
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Onset time
D1 vs D0: P = 0.038 · D2 vs D0: P = 0.003 · D2 vs D1: No statistical differences
- Test of trend for onset time
- P < 0.001
Secondary outcomes
Mean, hours
| Outcome | D0 | D2 | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of motor blockD2 vs D0 | 23.0 (SD 4.9) | 26.4 (SD 6.6) | P = 0.030 |
Duration of motor block
- No other differences in analgesic or block duration among the three groups
Incidence of surgical anesthesia
- Similar for all three groups
- 97.1-100%
Safety
Adverse events (bradycardia, hypotension, oxygen desaturation)
- Similar for all three groups
Original publication
Perineural dexmedetomidine decreases the onset time of bupivacaine 0.5%–epinephrine–dexamethasone for infraclavicular block: a randomized trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 2 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →