The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Sugammadex Reversal Time in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy

Anesth Analg. 2016 Apr;122(4):1147-52. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001142.

Abstract

Background: Dexamethasone has been shown to cause inhibition of sugammadex reversal in functionally innervated human muscle cells. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study, we evaluated the effect of dexamethasone on the reversal time of sugammadex in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

Methods: We recruited 60 patients with ASA physical status I to II, between the ages of 3 and 8 years, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. After the induction of anesthesia, patients in group D received IV dexamethasone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg within a total volume of 5 mL saline, whereas patients in group S received only 5 mL IV saline as the control group. At the end of surgery, all patients were given a single bolus dose (2 mg/kg) of sugammadex at reappearance of T2. Demographic data, hemodynamic variables, time to recovery (a train-of-four ratio of 0.9), time to tracheal extubation, and adverse effects were recorded.

Results: There was no statistical significance between 2 groups in time to recovery and time to extubation. Time to recovery was 97.7 ± 23.9 seconds in group D and 91.1 ± 39.5 seconds in group S (P = 0.436; 95% confidence interval, -10.3 to 23.5). Time to extubation was 127.9 ± 23.2 seconds and 123.8 ± 38.7 seconds in group D and in group S, respectively (P = 0.612; 95% confidence interval, -11.9 to 20.05).

Conclusions: IV dexamethasone, given after induction of anesthesia, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, does not substantively affect the reversal time of sugammadex in pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoidectomy* / adverse effects
  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Anesthesia Recovery Period*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sugammadex
  • Tonsillectomy* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • gamma-Cyclodextrins / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • gamma-Cyclodextrins
  • Sugammadex
  • Dexamethasone