Perineural vs IV Dexamethasone to Improve Hand Surgery Anesthesia in Kids

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized, double-blind study, children aged 3 months to 16 years undergoing elective hand or forearm surgery will receive a brachial plexus block with ropivacaine and be assigned to perineural dexamethasone, intravenous dexamethasone, or placebo. Researchers will assess long-term neurological safety using clinical exams and serum neurofilament light chain over 12 months, along with pain scores, opioid use, functional recovery, and adverse events. The trial aims to determine if perineural dexamethasone is safe for nerves in pediatric patients and whether it provides analgesic benefits beyond IV dexamethasone or placebo. Results could influence pediatric regional anesthesia practice and dosing strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 3 months to 16 years
* Scheduled elective hand or forearm surgery under general anesthesia with a brachial plexus block
* ASA physical status I-III
* Planned use of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia
* Written informed consent from parent(s) or legal guardian and age-appropriate assent from the child

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing neurological disease or peripheral neuropathy
* Preoperative sensory deficit in the operative limb
* Infection at or near the needle insertion site
* Coagulopathy or therapeutic anticoagulation
* Systemic infection or sepsis
* Chronic steroid therapy within 30 days before surgery
* Known allergy to ropivacaine or dexamethasone
* Diabetes mellitus
* BMI \> 99th percentile for age and sex.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days
* Refusal of consent

Where it's running

• Poznan University of Medical Sciences
  Poznan, Poland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Malgorzata Reysenr, MD PhD
• Email: mreysner@ump.edu.pl
• Phone: 48618738313

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.