Effects of Dexamethasone on Blood Glucose Concentrations in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery Under Spinal Anesthesia: a Randomized, Controlled Trial
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Abstract
Background: The effect of a dose of dexa-methasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis on blood glucose concentrations in spinal anesthesia has not been well studied. This study compared mean blood glucose changes within 8 h in nondiabetic patients receiving a single dose of dexamethasone 5 mg and 10 mg, compared with placebo, in surgeries under spinal anesthesia. Methods: Sixty nondiabetic patients were randomized into one of three groups. Group A was the control group. Group B and C received 5 mg and 10 mg of dexamethasone respectively. Capillary blood glucose was measured at baseline, and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after administration of the study drugs. The incidence of hyperglycemia and PONV scores were recorded. Results: Peak mean glucose changes occurred at 8 h in all three groups. Compared to the control group, mean glucose changes in group C were higher at 4, 6, and 8 h, while mean glucose changes in group B were higher at 6 and 8 h. Hyperglycemic events were more frequent in group C compared to group A (P = 0.035). Patients in group A had significantly higher PONV scores than those in the other groups. However, PONV scores in group B and C were not different. Conclusion: Both doses of dexamethasone significantly increased mean glucose changes. Compared with 5 mg, dexamethasone 10 mg resulted in higher blood glucose changes, but provided the same efficacy in reducing PONV.
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