Study of Intravenous Dexamethasone to Extend Spinal Anesthesia Duration in Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

What this Trial Is About

Lower segment cesarean section is a common surgery performed worldwide, usually under spinal anesthesia. This anesthesia involves injecting a local anesthetic near the spinal cord to block nerve signals, providing pain relief during and shortly after surgery while avoiding drug exposure to the baby. The study evaluates whether adding the steroid drug dexamethasone can prolong the duration of this spinal anesthesia and pain relief for pregnant patients during cesarean sections. The study compares two groups one receiving 8 mg of dexamethasone intravenously immediately after the spinal anesthesia, and the other receiving a placebo of normal saline. This drug is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects and is being assessed here as an add-on to potentially extend anesthesia duration and post-operative pain relief. The trial is randomized and double-blind, meaning neither patients nor researchers know which treatment is given. Participants will be monitored for how long the spinal block lasts after surgery, specifically measuring the time until the anesthesia effect decreases by two dermatomes. Researchers will also track the time until participants request additional pain medication. Safety, pain levels, and other outcomes will be assessed during and after the procedure. The study includes women aged 16 to 40 undergoing elective cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia and will follow them through the surgical and recovery periods.

Dexamethasone in Prolonging the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia Among Pregnant Patients