Dexamethasone in Prolonging the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia Among Pregnant Patients

Role of Intravenous Dexamethasone in Prolonging the Duration of Sub-Arachnoid Block in Pregnant Patients Undergoing Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Lower segment C section is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. It is performed in spinal anesthesia. During Spinal Anesthesia a local anesthetic drug is administered in a space surrounding spinal cord and it blocks nerves originating from spinal cord providing both anesthesia and analgesia. This technique avoids harmful exposure of drugs to the baby inside the womb of mother. However this technique provides anesthesia and analgesia of limited duration which can be prolonged by addition of drugs to patient management regimen. One such drug is Dexamethasone which is a steroid commonly administered in the peri-operative period.

To prolong the duration of Sub-Arachnoid block number of drugs which are known as adjuvants can be used. One of the commonly used adjuvant is Dexamethasone a steroid given by intravenous route having anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory effect. This drug also prolongs the duration of Sub-Arachnoid block which can be helpful in case of lengthy surgical procedure and also extends the duration of analgesia in the post operative period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class: II and above.
• Elective Cesarean section under Spinal Anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gestational diabetes
• Body mass index >35 kg/m2
• Diabetes mellitus
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Chronically receiving steroids
• Allergic to study medications
• Sensory block level less than T4