Spinal anaesthesia in children: comparative study of hyperbaric bupivacaine with or without clonidine

Objective – To evaluate the effect of intrathecal clonidine in children.Study design – A prospective randomised study.Patients and methods – 45 children, 6 to 15 years old, were randomised in two groups; receiving either 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine or 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine added to clonidine 2 μg·kg–1. We assessed quality and length of motor and sensory blocks and side effects of clonidine: hypotension, bradycardia and sedation.Results – Clonidine was associated with prolongation of motor block, 190 ± 42 min vs 150 ± 35 min (p < 0.01), but the difference was not significant. Postoperative analgesia was longer in clonidine group, 490 ± 35 min vs 200 ± 50 min (mean ± SD), p < 0.001. Clonidine was associated with higher incidence of hypotension 54 vs 36% and bradycardia 30 vs 0%.Conclusion – These data suggest that intrathecal clonidine 2 μg·kg–1 is associated with extending duration of postoperative analgesia but with moderate side effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]