Combination of dexamethasone and local anaesthetic solution in peripheral nerve blocks: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of combining dexamethasone with local anaesthetic on sensory and motor peripheral nerve blockade in adults. DESIGN: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched in Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register up to December 2013. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised trials testing dexamethasone combined with local anaesthetic. RESULTS: Twelve trials (1054 patients, 512 receiving perineural dexamethasone) were included. Ten studies evaluated dexamethasone for brachial plexus nerve block. Four to 10 mg dexamethasone-containing local anaesthetic solutions had a faster onset of action and resulted in a significant increase in the duration of analgesia [weighted mean difference (WMD) 351 min, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 288 to 413, P 
Source: European Journal of Anaesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Regional anaesthesia Source Type: research