The role of dexamethasone in peripheral and neuraxial nerve blocks for the management of acute pain

Abstract

Dexamethasone has an emerging role as an additive in regional anaesthesia for the management of acute pain. However, outcomes in terms of improvement and prolongation of analgesia, as well as the methods of administration and potential adverse effects, have yet to be clarified. This semi-structured review examines the current literature available with regard to supplemental dexamethasone in regional and neuraxial anaesthesia.

Keywords: adverse effects, analgesia, dexamethasone, dosage regimes, regional anaesthesia