Background: For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. Methods: Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). Results: The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. Conclusions: Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Background: For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. Methods: Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). Results: The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. Conclusions: Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Background: For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. Methods: Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). Results: The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. Conclusions: Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.

Background Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after cesarean section. Methods A randomized double‐blind controlled study; ninety parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D & M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 minutes of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during cesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity, and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.