[Effects of dexamethasone on epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of intravenous dexamethasone injections in preventing nausea and vomiting resulted from epidural morphine for post-operation pain relief. METHODS: Eighty-four adult patients (ASA class I to II ) requiring epidural anesthesia for low abdominal surgical procedures were randomly divided into 2 groups, of which Group 1 (n=42) received intravenous dexamethasone injections at 10 mg and Group 2 (n=42) intravenous injection of 2 ml normal saline before administration of 2 mg epidural morphine for post-operation pain relief. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were recorded within 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting were 12% and 7% in Group 1, while 31% and 21% in Group 2 respectively, showing significant difference between the 2 groups (P<0.05). The total incidence of nausea and vomiting were also significantly different (19% vs 52%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexamethasone injections at 10 mg can significantly decrease the incidence of epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting.