Evaluating the Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia After Cesarean Delivery

Launched by IWK HEALTH CENTRE · Feb 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a medication called intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on spinal anesthesia in women who are having a planned Cesarean delivery at the IWK Health Centre. Researchers want to find out if this medication helps improve the recovery of movement and sensation after the anesthesia wears off, as well as if it reduces pain and side effects like nausea and itching. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone or another medication called metoclopramide, which helps with nausea, right after the spinal anesthesia is given.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be healthy women aged 18 or older, having a non-emergency Cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia, and should speak moderate English. However, women with certain conditions, such as obesity, significant health issues, or those who have had previous surgeries that affect the spine, will not be able to participate. During the trial, patients can expect close monitoring of their recovery, including how quickly they regain sensation and motor control, as well as any side effects they may experience. This study aims to improve the care and comfort of women undergoing Cesarean deliveries by understanding how dexamethasone might help in their recovery process.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Non-emergent Caesarean Delivery with planned spinal anesthesia
• • American Society of Anesthesia physical status class \< III
• • Age ≥18 years
• • Term gestational age (≥37weeks)
• • Singleton pregnancy
• • Moderate English language fluency
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Obesity (BMI ≥ 45kg/m2)
• • Height \< 5'0"
• • Patients with significant obstetric or neonatal co-morbidities (i.e., severe maternal cardiac disease, preeclampsia, fetal anomalies)
• • Opioid tolerance or sensitivity
• • Intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• • Contraindication to neuraxial analgesia (i.e., coagulopathy, infection, neuropathy)
• • Abnormal spinal anatomy (i.e., severe scoliosis, spina bifida, spinal instrumentation)
• • Use of chronic steroids
• • A physical or psychiatric condition which impairs cooperation