Comparison of Two Different Doses of Dexamethasone for Attenuation of Post Spinal Anaesthesia Hypotension: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Study.

Spinal anaesthesia is the preferred mode of anaesthesia for infra-umbilical surgeries owing to its simplicity, ease, better post-operative analgesia and lesser side effects like nausea and vomiting. However, hypotension is a common complication after SA with a reported occurrence in 16–33% of cases which limits its use in some patients. Various methods like volume loading and vasopressor injection have been utilized to attenuate post-spinal hypotension (PSH) with varied success. Limited research is available comparing the efficacy of dexamethasone to attenuate PSH. Hence, this study aims to compare the effect of 4 and 8 mg of IV dexamethasone in prevention of PSH.

After taking the informed consent, patients will be randomly assigned to one of either group- Group D4 (Dexamethasone 4mg) or Group D8 (Dexamethasone 8mg). Two hours prior to Spinal Anaesthesia patient will receive IV 100ml of 0.9% Normal Saline in which the study drug will be dissolved as per the group allocation (Dexamethasone 4mg/ 8mg). The rest of the procedure will be as per standard care of the operation.

During perioperative period, patient will be evaluated for hypotension, bradycardia, blood glucose levels, requirement of vasopressors and occurrence of other side effects like nausea, vomiting and shivering.