EFFECT OF PRE-EMPTIVE PREGABALIN IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING UPPER LIMB SURGERIES UNDER SUPRACLAVICULAR BLOCK: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Sheena Sharma and *Dr. Mahesh Kumar

ABSTRACT

Background and aims: Data are lacking on pre-emptive efficacy of pregabalin on block characteristics and pain during peripheral nerve blocks. The present study evaluated effect of pre-emptive pregabalin in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular block. Methods: The patients aged 18-60 years of either sex, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II and BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2 scheduled for scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular block, were included over a period of 18 months in this study at Department of Anaesthesiology, Dr RPGMC Kangra at Tanda. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg of pregabalin (group PR) or placebo in the form of B complex tablets (group C) one hour before surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in onset of sensory and motor block between both groups (P>0.05). However, duration of sensory and motor block was significantly higher in group PR in comparison to group C (P<0.0001). We observed a significantly lower post-operative pain at 30-min, and 24-hours (P<0.001). Mean number of boluses used in group C was significantly higher in comparison to group PR (P<0.01). One patient was not satisfied in group C while 87% of the patients in group PR and 20% in group C were very satisfied. Conclusion: Hence, it may be recommended that pre-emptive oral pregabalin in the dose of 150 mg with lignocaine adrenaline in USG supraclavicular block in upper limb surgeries has superior analgesic efficacy over control.

Keywords: Supraclavicular block, Pre-emptive, Pregabalin, Block.