Background

Dexamethasone has an important role in the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting, since it has shown great efficacy; however, its use in diabetic patients is cautious or avoided by many anesthesiologists because of the increase in plasma glucose it produces.

Objective

To evaluate if there is a signifi cant increase in plasma glucose in diabetic patients after the administration of dexamethasone for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in balanced anesthesia.

Material and methods

Diabetic patients from the Hospital Central Militar undergoing surgery under balanced general anesthesia, divided into group 1 (dexamethasone) and group 2 (no dexamethasone). We measured baseline blood glucose, and two and 24 hours after the administration of dexamethasone or initiation of the anesthetic procedure; we applied a questionnaire on whether or not they had nausea, vomiting and pain assessment.

Results

Dexamethasone improved outcomes in postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting prevention; a greater increase in plasma glucose was observed in those who used dexamethasone, but in all of them, it was statistically non-signifi cant. Conclusion: We observed in the study that the use of dexamethasone increased plasma glucose in comparison with those patients in whom it was not used; however, it was not statistically signifi cant, and during the study, we observed no difference in the evolution of the patients that might suggest its use was harmful, so it can be recommended as an adjuvant for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

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