A randomised controlled trial of intravenous dexmedetomidine added to dexamethasone for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and duration of interscalene block.

研究概要

122 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were randomized to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine added to dexamethasone (n=60) or dexamethasone only (n=62) for analgesia. The primary outcome of interest was time from block to first oral morphine intake. Secondary outcomes of interest included pain scores at rest and during movement, satisfaction, adverse events, and cumulative morphine consumption. The results found that the time to first morphine intake was shorter in the combination group compared to the dexamethasone only group (p=0.049). Moreover, the incidence of intra-operative hypotension was significantly higher in the combination group. No significant differences in morphine consumption, sensory or motor block length, or pain scores were observed.