Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Postoperative Nausea-Vomiting (PONV) after Intrathecal Morphine during Caesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Post-operative pain relief after Caesarean section is important; it improves mobility and reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications. Neuraxial opioids are effective in postoperative pain relief but untoward effects like postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prevent their regular use. Recent studies have shown that IV Dexamethasone reduces the incidence of PONV associated with intrathecal opioids when used for post Caesarean analgesia. We evaluated the efficacy of 8mg IV dexamethasone in reducing PONV in mothers receiving intrathecal morphine for post Caesarean analgesia.