Caudal Versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Caudal Analgesia in Children
Caudal Versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Caudal Analgesia in Children
The aim of this prospective randomized double-blind study was to compare the analgesic
 efficacy and the side effects of dexmedetomidine (1 µg.kg-1) co-administered with bupivacaine
 for caudal analgesia or intravenously in children undergoing infra-umbilical surgery.
Dexmedetomidine is used increasingly in pediatric anesthesia practice to prolong the duration
 of action of caudal block with a local anesthetic agent.But which route of administration of
 dexmedetomidine is the most beneficial remains unknown.

 The investigators performed prospective randomized double-blind study to compare the effects
 of caudal dexmedetomidine with intravenous dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia after
 caudal bupivacaine in children undergoing infra-umbilical surgery.

 75 children (ASAⅠorⅡ,aged 1-6 yr) undergoing infra-umbilical surgery were included in this
 study. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane via a facemask, followed by placement of a
 laryngeal mask airway. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2-3% in
 oxygen-air.Then,caudal block was applied. Patients were randomly assigned in three groups.
 Group B-Dcau (n = 25): Caudal bupivacaine 0.25% 1ml/kg plus dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg and 10 ml
 normal saline i.v.;Group B-Div (n = 25): bupivacaine 0.25% 1ml/kg and dexmedetomidine
 1µg/kg(10 ml)i.v.;Group B(n = 25): bupivacaine 0.25% and 10 ml normal saline intravenous
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) - I

 -  Scheduled for lower abdominal and perineal surgery

 -  Under general anesthesia

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Hypersensitivity to any local anesthetics

 -  Patient has history of allergy, intolerance, or reaction to dexmedetomidine

 -  Infections at puncture sites

 -  Bleeding diathesis

 -  Preexisting neurological disease

 -  Children with uncorrected cardiac lesions

 -  Children with heart block