Comparative study of intrathecal nalbuphine versus clonidine as adjuvants to 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine for elective infra umbilical surgeries

Background and objectives: Various intrathecal adjuvants have been clinically tried for the prolongation of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. This study aims at evaluating the effects of intrathecal nalbuphine and clonidine as adjuvants to isobaric levobupivacaine in subarachnoid block. Methodology: 60 patients scheduled for elective infra umbilical surgeries were allocated into two groups of thirty each to receive 15 mg of 0.5% isobaric Levobupivacaine with either 1 mg nalbuphine (Group LN) or 30 µg clonidine (Group LC) intrathecally. Characteristics of spinal anesthesia in terms of sensory analgesia and motor blockade were noted. Hemodynamic parameters and adverse effects if any were recorded. Data obtained was compiled and statistically analysed with appropriate tests. Results: Onset of sensory and motor blocks was faster in group LN (2.43 ± 0.93 and 2.2 ± 0.9 min) compared to group LC (3.26 ± 1.04 and 3.13 ± 1.0 min). However, time to two segment regression (186.8 ± 24.5 vs 146.5 ± 21.4), total duration of effective analgesia (384.1 ± 56.6 vs 292.1 ± 40.9) and total duration of motor block (345.3 ± 41.7 vs 235.6 ± 29.5 min) were significantly prolonged in group LC than in group LN. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic changes and adverse effects between the groups. Conclusion: The addition of 30 µg clonidine to intrathecal 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine as adjuvant, is associated with prolonged sensory and motor blockade with better perioperative analgesia compared to 1 mg nalbuphine. Citation: Shalini A, Kokila N, Manjunatha HG, Supriya L. Comparative study of intrathecal nalbuphine versus clonidine as adjuvants to 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine for elective infra umbilical surgeries. Anaesth pain & intensive care 2019;23(4)__ Received: 21 August 2019, Reviewed: 13 September, 22 November 2019, Accepted: 26 November 2019