Intravenous Dexamethasone and Its Effect on Blood Glucose in Adult Nondiabetic Patients undergoing General Anesthesia for Superficial Surgery

Abstract

Dexamethasone is commonly used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It also has significant postoperative analgesic benefits. In spite of these advantages, it is seen that intravenous (IV) dexamethasone may affect the blood glucose profile of the patient and healing of wounds. We have studied the effects of IV dexamethasone administered at induction on blood glucose concentrations in adult, nondiabetic patients under general anesthesia (GA) for superficial surgeries, e.g., ear surgeries, breast surgeries, and hernia surgeries.