Nalbuphine Exhibited a Better Adjuvant Than Dexmedetomidine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Youths

Objective Nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine are both used as anesthesia adjuvants for brachial plexus block, but their efficacy and safety in younger patients are not clear. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of these 2 drugs in young patients undergoing brachial plexus block. Methods We recruited 48 young patients aged 18 to 30 years requiring supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in group levobupivacaine+nalbuphine received 28 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 10 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 2 mL 0.9% saline. Patients in group levobupivacaine+dexmedetomidine (LD) received 28 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine diluted in 2 mL 0.9% saline. Demographic information, types of fracture, onset time of motor and sensory blocks, duration of block, side effects, and analgesic use were recorded. Results We found that the 2 groups did not differ significantly in the demographic profile and fracture type. Compared with group LD, group LD had significantly shorter sensory and motor block onset time, longer block duration, less analgesic need, and less side effects. Conclusion In summary, our study suggests that nalbuphine is a better anesthesia adjuvant for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in young patients.