Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology
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Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol · Jun 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialDexamethasone for the reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting and analgesic requirements after middle ear surgery in adult Japanese patients.
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and analgesic requirements after middle ear surgery. Adult Japanese patients were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups (n = 30 each) to receive either placebo or dexamethasone at 2 different doses (4 mg and 8 mg) immediately before induction of anesthesia. Postoperatively, emetic episodes and analgesic requirements were evaluated by a blinded investigator. ⋯ No difference in analgesic requirement was found between the dexamethasone 4 mg and placebo groups (P = 0.396). No clinically important adverse events attributable to the study drug were observed in any of the groups. In conclusion, dexamethasone 8 mg is effective in reducing the rate of PONV and analgesic requirements in adult Japanese patients undergoing middle ear surgery.