Using dexamethasone to prevent low blood pressure after spinal anesthesia in older patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

Effect of Dexamethasone on Post-spinal Hypotension in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery at Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi.

Phase 4 Interventional Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institue of Trauma · NCT06819436

This study tests if giving dexamethasone before orthopedic surgery can help older patients avoid low blood pressure after receiving spinal anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorShaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institue of Trauma Academic / other
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT06819436 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of intravenous dexamethasone in preventing post-spinal hypotension in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving dexamethasone and the other receiving a placebo before their procedures. The study aims to determine if dexamethasone can significantly reduce the incidence of low blood pressure following spinal anesthesia. The trial is designed to provide insights into the management of hypotension in older adults during surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries with an ASA classification of 2 or lower.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, or contraindications to spinal anesthesia will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could help reduce the risk of post-spinal hypotension in older patients, improving their surgical outcomes and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific use of dexamethasone for this purpose, similar studies have explored its effects in various contexts, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient undergoing orthopedic surgery in spinal anesthesia. ASA ≤ 2.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with history of cardiac arrhythmias. Patients with history of acute coronary syndrome. Patient with history of polytrauma. Patients with contraindication to SA (e.g., coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, allergy to local anesthetic agent) and those on steroids or serotonin related medications (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

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.
Conditions Post Spinal Anaesthesia HypotensionGeriatric PopulationOrthopedic Surgeries
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.