Optimal dose of perineural dexmedetomidine to prolong analgesia after brachial plexus blockade: A systematic review and Meta-analysis of 57 randomized clinical trials

Peripheral injection of dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been widely used in regional anesthesia to prolong the duration of analgesia. However, the optimal perineural dose of DEX is still uncertain. It is important to elucidate this characteristic because DEX may cause dose-dependent complications. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the optimal dose of perineural DEX for prolonged analgesia after brachial plexus block (BPB) in adult patients undergoing upper limb surgery.