Low-Dose Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant for Prolonging the Duration of Brachial Plexus Block with Bupivacaine—a Prospective Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on patients who underwent supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks using an ultrasound. Patients were randomized to receive 19 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with dexamethasone (4 mg) (study group) and saline (1 mL) (control group). Primary outcome measure was the duration of analgesia. Onset and duration of sensory, motor blocks, postoperative 24-hour morphine requirements were also recorded.