Using Dexamethasone to Improve Pain Relief After Children's Hand and Wrist Surgery

Effect of Systematic Dexamethasone on the Duration of Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Anesthesia After Pediatric Hand/Wrist Surgery

PHASE4 · Poznan University of Medical Sciences · NCT05887778

This study is testing whether giving children a certain dose of Dexamethasone before hand and wrist surgery can help them feel less pain and recover better by reducing the amount of local anesthesia needed.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorPoznan University of Medical Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Poznań)
Trial IDNCT05887778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of systemic Dexamethasone on the effectiveness and duration of supraclavicular brachial plexus block anesthesia in children undergoing hand and wrist surgery. The research aims to determine the optimal dose of Dexamethasone that enhances pain relief while minimizing the amount of local anesthetic needed. By comparing different doses of Dexamethasone administered intravenously before surgery, the study seeks to improve postoperative recovery and pain management in pediatric patients. This approach addresses a significant gap in pediatric anesthesia research, as most existing studies focus on adult populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children scheduled for hand or wrist surgery who weigh more than 5 kg.

Not a fit: Patients with infections at the site of the regional blockade, coagulation disorders, immunodeficiency, or those on regular steroid medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for children after hand and wrist surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While there is considerable research on Dexamethasone use in adults, this study is novel as it focuses specifically on pediatric patients, where such research is lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* children scheduled for hand/wrist surgery
* body weight \> 5kg

Exclusion Criteria:

* infection at the site of the regional blockade
* coagulation disorders
* immunodeficiency
* ASA= or \>4
* steroid medication in regular use

Where this trial is running

Poznań

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Wrist Disease, Hand Injuries and Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.