Effect of Dexamethasone on Spinal Anesthesia Duration After Cesarean Delivery
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia as Part of a Multimodal Antiemetic Strategy for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Delivery
This study tests if giving dexamethasone after spinal anesthesia can help healthy women having a Cesarean delivery recover faster and feel better afterward compared to another medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | IWK Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05731960 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of spinal anesthesia in healthy women undergoing elective Cesarean deliveries at the IWK Health Centre. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone or metoclopramide after spinal anesthesia. The study aims to assess the effects on motor and sensory recovery, postoperative pain management, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting. The findings could enhance recovery protocols for Cesarean deliveries by optimizing anesthesia duration and minimizing complications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy women aged 18 and older, with singleton pregnancies, scheduled for non-emergent Cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients with significant obstetric or neonatal co-morbidities, obesity, or contraindications to neuraxial analgesia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery times and reduced postoperative complications for women undergoing Cesarean deliveries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that dexamethasone can prolong sensory block duration in peripheral nerve blocks, suggesting potential success for its application in spinal anesthesia.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- IWK Health Centre — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allana Munro, MD FRCPC — IWK Health
- Study coordinator: Allana Munro, MD FRCPC
- Email: ammunro@dal.ca
- Phone: 902-470-6627
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.