Objective:

To determine the effect of a dexamethasone monodose on the duration of the neuromuscular blockade induced with rocuronium.

Material and methods:

Observational, randomized, longitudinal and prospective study. Patients who received a dexamethasone monodose (200 μg/kg) one hour prior to surgery (group A), in the anesthetic induction (group B) and in the recovery from the neuromuscular block (group C). The degree of neuromuscular block was evaluated with the a TOF-Watch®SX monitor. The neuromuscular transmission was measured at its basal state and after administering rocuronium, starting at minute zero, the maximum depression of the simple stimulus, the onset of action, the clinical duration, the recovery index, the train of four, the postetanic score and the recovery index ≥ 0.9 for extubation.

Results:

12 patients were assigned per group. Group A had a greater decrease in the duration of the neuromuscular block compared to B and C (recovery index ≥ 0.9 min): group A: 42.6 ± 9.1, B: 49.6 ± 0.4, C: 55 ± 16.2); p < 0.05 group A versus B. p < 0.05 group A versus C.

Conclusion:

A dexamethasone monodose decreases the duration of the neuromuscular block by rocuronium in 10-20%.