AANA Journal: Use of Single-Dose Dexamethasone in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Use of Single-Dose Dexamethasone in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Use of Single-Dose Dexamethasone in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pdf Summary

A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of single-dose dexamethasone on perioperative blood glucose in diabetic patients. The review analyzed seven randomized controlled trials involving 1,321 patients. Diabetic patients treated with single-dose dexamethasone had statistically significant changes in blood glucose levels from baseline, with an average increase of 33.61 mg/dL. Dexamethasone increased blood glucose levels 1-4 hours and 8-24 hours after administration, with increases of 29.02 mg/dL and 30.81 mg/dL, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) between the dexamethasone group and the control group. The review found that single-dose dexamethasone increased blood glucose concentration 24 hours after surgery with little effect on SSI. The study had limitations, including small sample sizes, potential publication bias, and substantial heterogeneity in outcome measures. Clinicians should weigh the benefits of dexamethasone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting against its contribution to hyperglycemia in diabetic patients until larger studies are conducted to examine its adverse effects.

Keywords

systematic review

meta-analysis

single-dose dexamethasone

perioperative blood glucose

diabetic patients

randomized controlled trials

blood glucose levels

surgical site infection

postoperative nausea and vomiting

hyperglycemia