Panda et al., J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:2
Keywords: Onset time, duration of action, bupivacaine, dexamethasone, caudal block.
2026-03-27 DOI: JOBASFUD_2025_4_2_012
Background: Caudal block is done in children which can easily wear off and the need for adjuvant that can safely prolong its analgesic duration. The fear of the adverse effects of opioids especially respiratory depression, emesis and sedation have restricted their usage. This study was designed to evaluate the onset time and duration of action of plain bupivacaine and bupivacaine with dexamethasone caudal block in children. Methods: This was a clinical trial involving ninety (90) under 5 years children who had infra-umbilical surgeries . They were assigned to two groups. Group A had caudal block with 0.5 ml/kg plain bupivacaine with saline and Group B had caudal block with 0.5 ml/kg bupivacaine added with 0.1 ml/kg dexamethasone. Postoperative analgesia was assessed using FLACC, at 0-hour arrival at PACU and vital signs were recorded hourly for the first 3 hours, then 4 hourly for 24 hours. Paracetamol was given whenever FLACC score Results: The was no significant difference in the mean onset of analgesia. The mean time to first analgesic request was significantly longer after caudal block with dexamethasone additive (Group B)compared with bupivacaine only Group. Conclusion: The study has shown that addition of dexamethasone to plain bupivacaine for caudal block was more efficient and showed longer duration of analgesia compared to caudal block with plain bupivacaine alone.