ABSTRACT
Background: Intrathecal analgesics using (ITA) local anesthetics and adjuvants like narcotics are safe and effective alternative to epidural anesthesia. The objective of the study is toassess and compare quality of labor analgesia through NPRS Score upon single dose ITA between bupivacaine with adjuvants (fentanyl and dexmedetomidine) and bupivacaine with adjuvants (fentanyl and morphine).Material & Methods: The present study was a prospective, randomized and double blinded controlled study.120 parturients allocated into two equal groups (G-D& G-M) of 60 patients using block Randomization Technique. Group G-D received Bupivaciane, Fentanyl &Dexmedetomedine while G-Mreceived Bupivaciane, Fentanyl & Morphine. Quality of analgesia was assessed through NPRS Scale and and analyzed using Epi Info V7.Results:. Difference in mean NPRS score between both Group(G-D) and Group(G-M)was found to be non- significant at baseline as well as at various time interval till 5 hours. At 0 minutesi.e.the mean NPRS was comparable (p>.05) in both the groups, (8.65±0.48 inGroup(G-M)and 8.58±0.49 inGroup(G-D)respectively).After 3 minutes Itdecreased to 3.03±0.18 in Group(G-M)and 3.10 ± 0.35 minutes inGroup(G-D)respectively,however itremained less than 5 (3.05±0.229 inGroup(G-M)and 3.12±0.331 inGroup(G-D) respectively till 4 hoursof intrathecal injection. Further itincreased to 4.75±0.50 inGroup(G-M)and 5.00 ± 0.00 inGroup(G-D)respectivelybut the mean NPRS was comparable (p>.05) in both the groups. Conclusion: we found that intrathecallabour analgesia is an effective and safe mode of analgesia. The mean NPRS score remained less than 5 in both the groups till 4.5 hours and was comparable throughout.