Dexamethasone reduces postoperative vomiting and pain after pediatric tonsillectomy

Abstract

P Pu ur rp po os se e: : Previous studies on dexamethasone's antiemetic and analgesic potential in children undergoing tonsillectomy have produced conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single dose of dexamethasone on the incidence and severity of postoperative vomiting and pain in children undergoing electrocautery tonsillectomy under standardized general anesthesia. M Me et th ho od ds s: :In a double-blinded study, 120 patients were randomly allocated to receive either dexamethasone 0.5 mg·kg -1 (maximum dose 8 mg) iv or an equivalent volume of saline preoperatively. The incidence of early and late vomiting, need for rescue antiemetics, time to first oral intake, time to first demand of analgesia and analgesic consumption were compared in both groups. Pain scores used included Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale, "faces", and a 0-10 visual analogue pain scale.R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Compared with placebo, dexamethasone significantly decreased the incidence of early and late vomiting (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 respectively). Fewer patients in the dexamethasone group needed antiemetic rescue (P < 0.01). The time to first oral intake was shorter, and the time to first dose of analgesic was longer in the dexamethasone group (P < 0.01). Pain scores 30 min after extubation were lower (P < 0.05) in the dexamethasone group. At 12 and 24 hr postoperative swallowing was still significantly less painful in the dexamethasone group than in the control group (P < 0.01).C Co on nc cl lu us si io on n: : Preoperative dexamethasone 0.5 mg·kg -1 iv reduced both postoperative vomiting and pain in children after electrocautery tonsillectomy. ONSILLECTOMY is one of the most frequently performed ambulatory surgical procedures in children and is associated with an incidence of postoperative vomiting ranging between 40% and 73%. 1-3 The introduction of an electrodissection surgical technique has virtually eliminated immediate postoperative hemorrhage. However, it may cause more pain, discomfort Résultats : Comparée au placebo, la dexaméthasone a significativement réduit l'incidence de vomissements précoces et tardifs (P < 0,05, P < 0,001 respectivement). Peu de patients ayant reçu la dexaméthasone ont eu besoin d'antiémétique de secours (P < 0,01

Betamethasone in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following breast surgery

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L’administration péridurale de dexaméthasone réduit la douleur et la demande d’analgésiques postopératoires

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