Effect of the Use of Dexmedetomidine as a Local Anesthesia Adjuvant to Bupivacaine 0.1% in Epidural Labor Analgesia

Authors

Sana siddiq Siddiq Hameed Latif Medical College, Lahore.
Sabir Khan Rashid Latif Khan Medical University, Lahore
Saadia Khaleeq Services Insitute of Medical Sciences Lahore
Zulqarnain Butt Rashid Latif Khan Medical University, Lahore
Abair Ur Rehman Rashid Latif Medical College, lahore.
Hana Khursheed Rashid Latif Khan Medical University, Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321116

Keywords:

Pregnant, Epidural Anaesthesia, Labor Analgesia

Abstract

Abstract
Objective: Objectives of this study are to study the effectiveness of adding dexmedetomidine in labor
epidurals with 0.1% bupivacaine in females undergoing normal vaginal delivery.
Material and Methods: This study was proposed for the pregnant females in active labor in obstetrical and
gynecological department of Hameed Latif Hospital who request epidural analgesia for pain relief during
normal vaginal delivery. Sample size is calculated using G power software. One hundred thirty three (134)
women were included in study and it was assured that they all met inclusion. All participants were divided
into Control and study groups. Patients in control group (67 women) were given 0.1% bupivacaine 10ml
diluted in normal saline. Study group (67 patients) was also given 0.1% bupivacaine diluted in normal saline
10 ml along with 50 microgram dexmedetomidine. After giving loading dose and epidural activation 0.1%
10ml bupivacaine at a rate of 10ml/hr was started in both groups. Modified bromage scale was used to
describe the Level of motor block. Side effects were reported and managed. The time elapsed from start of
labor till complete cervical dilation, timing of each stage of labor, and either spontaneous vaginal,
instrumental delivery or caesarean section being done or not is noted for each patient. 6 hours post Delivery,
maternal satisfaction was evaluated with the five-point Likert's scale as follows: 1 for poor, 2 for fair,3 for
good, 4 for very good, and 5 for excellent satisfaction. Onset of analgesia was the primary outcome, while the
secondary outcomes included the duration of analgesia, hemodynamic variations, progress of labor, mode of
delivery and complications to mother after getting dexmedetomidine in epidural.
Results: Dexmedetomidine group showed a remarkably early onset of analgesia as compared to bupivacaine
group. (6.90±1.42 vs 11.66±1.68) p<0.001. VAS in dexmedetomidine group remained ≤3 for 209.24±67.032
mins vs 104.18±23.65 mins in control group; p<0.001.
Conclusion: Duration of Analgesia is prolonged and onset of analgesia is shortened after adding
dexmedetomidine with bupivacaine without any significant side effects.
Keywords: Labor Analgesia, pregnant, Epidural Anaesthesia.
How to cite: Siddiq S, Khan S, Khaleeq S, Butt Z, Rehman A, Khursheed H. Effect Of The Use Of Dexmedetomidine
As A Local Anesthesia Adjuvant To Bupivacaine 0.1% In Epidural Labor Analgesia. Esculapio - JSIMS 2025;21(01):
86-91
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321116

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Siddiq S siddiq, Sabir Khan, Saadia Khaleeq, Zulqarnain Butt, Abaid Rehman, Hana Khursheed. Effect of the Use of Dexmedetomidine as a Local Anesthesia Adjuvant to Bupivacaine 0.1% in Epidural Labor Analgesia. Esculapio - JSIMS [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 31 [cited 2025 May 13];21(1):85-91. Available from: https://esculapio.pk/journal/index.php/journal-files/article/view/1212