Spinal anesthesia 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 micrograms.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 micrograms.kg-1 is associated with extending duration of postoperative analgesia but with moderate side effects.