Abstract ID: A34

Abstract Title: A Comparative Study of 0,5% Racemic Bupivacaine Versus 0.5% Bupivacaine Enantiomeric Mixture (S75-R25) in Brachial Plexus Blockade for Orthopedic Surgery.

Poster Type: Poster

ABSTRACT BODY

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the objective of finding a safer drug than racemic bupivacaine, several studies were performed with its enantiomers. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of 0.5% bupivacaine enantiomeric mixture (S75-R25) as compared to 0.5% racemic bupivacaine in brachial plexus blockade for upper limb orthopedic surgery.
METHODS: Participated in this randomized double-blind study 40 adult patients, aged 14 to 90 years, physical status ASAI and II submitted to upper limb orthopedic surgery, who were distributed in two groups: Group R - 0.5% racemic bupivacaine and Group L - 0.5% bupivacaine enantiomeric mixture (S75-R25), both with epinephrine 1:200.000 at 0,6 ml/Kg (same of 3mg/Kg) , limitated at 40 ml. Sensory and motor block characteristics were investigated of each nerve involved, musculocutaneous nerve, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the forearm, in addition to the incidence of side effects.
RESULTS: There were no statistical significant differences in weight, age, sex, total volume of solution and duration of surgery. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups too. There were no differences in time to reach total motor and sensitive block. Just one exception, the motor block lantency of muscular group innervated by ulnar nerve was bigger in Group L than in Group R (10,75 vs 14,25 minutes).
CONCLUSIONS: Adequate sensory and motor block for surgery was achieved in both groups with few side effects, suggesting that both solutions are safe in brachial plexus blockade for upper limb orthopedic surgery.

ATTACHED FILES

A34_Table I.doc

A34_Table II.doc

A34_Table III.doc

Reg Anesth Pain Med 2004; 29(2):A34