Dexamethasone to prolong spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery
Role of Intravenous Dexamethasone in Prolonging the Duration of Sub-Arachnoid Block in Pregnant Patients Undergoing Lower Segment Cesarean Section
This trial tests whether a single IV dose of dexamethasone given around an elective C-section helps spinal anesthesia and postoperative pain relief last longer than a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Rawalpindi Medical College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07088146 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Pregnant women having elective lower-segment cesarean delivery under spinal (subarachnoid) anesthesia receive either intravenous dexamethasone or a placebo around the time of surgery, and the duration of the spinal block and postoperative analgesia is recorded. The intervention is intended as a perioperative adjuvant to extend sensory block time and reduce early postoperative pain. Eligible participants are ASA class II and above and must not have diabetes, gestational diabetes, BMI >35, adrenal insufficiency, chronic steroid use, or allergy to the study medication. The trial is conducted at a single center and compares time-to-regression of sensory block and analgesic requirements between the dexamethasone and placebo groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women scheduled for elective lower-segment cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia who are ASA class II or higher and do not have diabetes, gestational diabetes, BMI >35, adrenal insufficiency, chronic steroid use, or allergies to the medication.
Not a fit: Patients with gestational diabetes or diabetes, BMI over 35, adrenal insufficiency, chronic steroid therapy, or allergy to dexamethasone are excluded and would not receive potential benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lengthen spinal anesthesia and postoperative pain relief after cesarean delivery, reducing the need for additional pain medicines and improving early recovery and comfort.
How similar studies have performed: Previous perioperative studies show IV or perineural dexamethasone can prolong some nerve-block analgesia and reduce nausea, but evidence specifically for extending subarachnoid (spinal) block duration is limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province
- Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi — Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Huda Tariq, MBBS
- Email: Huda8829@gmail.com
- Phone: +92-321-8829413
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.